Exhibition shows how charity aids medical research

An exhibition showing how charity donations are supporting medical research has launched in Leeds.

Our Research Story celebrates eight early career researchers who have been able to lead studies thanks to funding from the Leeds Hospitals Charity.

The research ranges from targeting aggressive brain tumours to life-changing trials for some of the youngest patients.

"This exhibition is a way for us to show the people behind the projects and shine a spotlight on the incredible difference they are making," said Rebecca Baldaro-Booth, head of grants at Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Alongside the researchers, the exhibition also shares the stories of six patients or their family members linked to the research, including 71-year-old Edward Taylor from Rawdon.

He was referred to the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital for urgent treatment after a diagnosis of bowel and liver cancer.

Mr Taylor subsequently took part in a clinical trial that hopes to make surgery safer for patients with abdominal cancers.

He was given an innovative wearable device to track his fitness at home ahead of surgery, rather than using the traditional cycle test, which can exclude patients with mobility issues.

Mr Taylor said: "The trial was something simple I could take part in but has the potential to transform outcomes for future patients.

"Trials like this are the only way to push things forward."

Mr Taylor underwent a seven-hour life-saving operation which successfully removed the cancer from his bowel and liver.

Now fully recovered from his surgery, his life has returned to normal and he is enjoying spending quality time with his wife Linda, stepdaughter Sarah and his three grandchildren.

The charity said it had invested £7.1m in research projects across Leeds Teaching Hospitals over the past five years thanks to donations and gifts in wills.

Ms Baldaro-Booth said the research projects "have the potential to transform outcomes for patients across Yorkshire and beyond".

The exhibition will be on display across the trust's sites. After launching at Leeds General Infirmary, from Monday to Sunday it will be at the Bexley Wing at St James's Hospital before moving to Parkinson Court at the University of Leeds from 24 to 28 February.

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