First chemo patients benefit from ‘Jacqui’s Million’ funded scalp cooler

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Chemotherapy patients at Leeds Cancer Centre can now benefit from ten state-of-the-art PAXMAN Scalp Cooling Systems all donated by tireless fundraiser Jacqui Drake.

Jacqui has raised £110,000 to purchase the ‘next generation’ scalp cooling machines and innovative caps that help reduce hair loss for patients during chemotherapy. The equipment is not routinely funded by the NHS.

St James’s Hospital have been using PAXMAN scalp cooling since 1998, but now through Jacqui’s generous support, they have been able to ensure patients have access to the latest technology to prevent chemotherapy induced hair loss.

The new machines, which were delivered last week and went straight into use, feature an interactive touchscreen and additional features such as visual warning displays to ensure ease of use for clinical staff.

Other advancements include a new control pump which manages the speed and coolant flow to help improve the efficiency of scalp cooling.

Hair loss is consistently ranked as one of the most common and feared side effects of chemotherapy treatment and often people will refuse it because they don’t want to lose their hair. The damage that chemotherapy causes to the hair follicle can be alleviated by using the scalp cooling treatment, also known as the ‘cold cap’.

Jacqui said: “Being able to see the impact of my fundraising absolutely makes all the hard work worthwhile. As a patient myself, my ethos is all about positivity and finding the good in a difficult situation.

“I’m determined to keep fundraising for Leeds Cares and reach that million-pound target to continue making improvements at the Leeds Cancer Centre for as many future patients as possible.”

Nurse Alyson Beckett said patients like Jacqui were a real inspiration to the team.

She said: “The NHS does an incredible job, but everyone knows funding is not endless, so we do need that extra bit of support from our charity. Fundraisers who spend their time dedicated to generating money in order to help us out are truly fantastic, especially when, like Jacqui, they’re already dealing with their own treatment journey.”

The PAXMAN Scalp Cooling System is the world-leading hair loss prevention system for chemotherapy patients. It has been used by over 100,000 patients, in 35 countries and is responsible for helping patients to keep their hair and retain normality during chemotherapy. The cap works by lowering scalp temperature before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.

It is estimated that 8% of people refuse chemotherapy to enable them to keep their hair and PAXMAN are dedicated in changing this statistic by ensuring that everyone has the requisite knowledge, understanding, information and access to the treatment.

Stuart Rowling, Head of UK Sales and Training at PAXMAN, said: “St James’ Hospital was an early adopter of scalp cooling with the first system being put to use on their wards in 1998. We are completely delighted that through Jacqui’s support we are able to introduce the next generation of PAXMAN systems to a hospital that has shown such long-term support for scalp cooling. Thanks to Jacqui’s astounding hard work, St James’ hospital can ensure patients have access to the latest technology to help prevent chemotherapy induced hair loss.”

The ‘Jacqui’s Million’ appeal is raising money specifically to support the Leeds Cancer Centre through Leeds Cares, the official charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals. After being diagnosed with secondary cancer in 2009, Jacqui has been receiving treatment in Leeds and her cancer is now classified as malignant stage four.

About PAXMAN
PAXMAN is the leading global expert in scalp cooling, for the prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy. The concept behind the technology came when mother of four, Sue Paxman, experienced first-hand the trauma of chemotherapy induced hair loss. The company has since been on a personal journey to ensure Sue’s legacy lives on by helping women around the globe minimise chemotherapy-induced hair loss and contribute to their quality of life. Backed by leading oncologists from around the world, the system has achieved global success in many hospitals and specialist cancer treatment centres. https://paxmanscalpcooling.com

About Leeds Cares
As charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds Cares brings caring people together to inspire change. Our vision is for a healthier world where everyone can access exceptional healthcare – here in Leeds, across Yorkshire and beyond. Our priorities include investing in equipment and environmental improvements, funding and delivering health and wellbeing initiatives; and supporting projects in research, innovation and health education. www.leeds-cares.org