Sunflower appeal raises thousands for Telford hospital

Fundraisers across the borough have helped Lingen Davies Cancer Support reach a record-breaking financial milestone this Christmas as work continues for a new cancer centre in Telford.

The charity announced that income for the 2025/26 financial year has exceeded £1,000,000 for the first time in its 46-year history.

More than £310,000 of that total is already designated for the Sunflower Appeal. This project was launched earlier this year to deliver a dedicated cancer centre at the Princess Royal Hospital.

The organisation supports cancer services throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales. As well as funding technology, it also runs a £100,000 wellbeing programme to support patients and carers.

CEO Naomi Atkin said the result was testament to the support of people throughout the region.

“We’re absolutely delighted to announce that for the first time in our history we’ve reached this significant milestone before Christmas – with three months still left in our financial year, what a wonderful Christmas present that is,” she said.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has given their time, money and goodwill this year.”

Current income stands at £1,083,493. A wide-ranging programme of events is already lined up for 2026 to keep the momentum going.

This includes the Sunflower Sprint fun run, which will be held in the town on Sunday, 17 May. The Titty Trail will also return in October to mark breast cancer awareness month.

“We launched the £5million Sunflower Appeal this summer and have reached £310,000 which is a great start, but we have a long way still to go,” Ms Atkin added.

Further details on how to support the charity can be found at www.lingendavies.co.uk.