ABOUT US

In 2000 a team of consultants at Derriford Hospital realised that prostate cancer patients, they were treating, needed more support and decided that a charity should be set up.

After much debate, the charity was named the Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer, the prostate being the size and shape of a chestnut.

In January 2003, BBC Radio Devon adopted the charity and set out to raise money to help fund a “state of the art” unit to be based at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Within 18 months, the staff and listeners of BBC Radio Devon helped the charity raise £1 million.

However, it soon became clear that much more could be done in the region if rather than spend money on bricks and mortar, money was spent on funding treatment, supporting men and their families across Devon and Cornwall and providing information and awareness.

Raising awareness of prostate cancer is a vital part of the work we do, and it is now more widely talked about than ever before.

There are now Chestnut Nurses based in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, Barnstaple and Truro. The charity supports these dedicated nurses who assist men with prostate cancer.

The Chestnut Appeal also funds the very latest in treatments. Brachytherapy is now being used in Exeter and Plymouth, with great success. It is fair to say that without our support this innovative treatment would not exist in the region. It cost the charity £100,000 to set this treatment up in Plymouth alone.

Consultant Urologist Paul McInerney says, “We are really grateful for the input from the Chestnut Appeal and in helping us kick-start this process.”

“The advantages to Brachytherapy are that it is a one stop visit. It concentrates the radiation much more and we can deliver a high dose with less side-effect.”

The success of the Chestnut Appeal is a testament to what can be achieved if we work together as a community.

We are expanding the work we do and now have two full time members of staff, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer patients in Devon & Cornwall. This means that over the coming years we can improve this vital service and do much more in the area, helping reach more of the community.