AS it marks 25 years of supporting cancer care in Cornwall, The Sunrise Appeal celebrates not only a history of funding cutting-edge equipment, but also its investment in people.

A staff bursary programme has ploughed over £186,000 into enabling radiographers, nurses and other clinical professionals to attend specialist training, national conferences and research collaborations that improve cancer care locally.

Based at the charity’s Sunrise Centre in Truro, radiographer Ruth Kemp achieved first-class honours in her MSc enhanced radiotherapy and oncology practice degree, which was funded by a Sunrise Appeal bursary. She has since made major strides in her professional development - presenting at the National Society of Radiographers Conference 2024 in Brighton, collaborating with national centres and working towards publishing academic work - all while continuing to care for patients in Cornwall.

"I'm so grateful for the Sunrise Appeal’s support," said Ruth. "This bursary opened doors I never thought possible, including working with national experts and presenting research that could shape future practice. Most importantly, it's knowledge I'm bringing back to Cornwall."

Janet Shephard, co-founder and trustee of the Sunrise Appeal, said: "From the very beginning, we knew investing in people would be just as important as investing in technology. Ruth's journey is a perfect example of what happens when you give talented local professionals the support they need to learn and innovate. The same spirit drives everything we fund - it's all about giving Cornish patients world-class care, close to home."

The Sunrise Appeal has raised more than £3.7-million to support everything from advanced equipment to patient wellbeing. In May, it granted £400,000 towards the HyperSight imaging system - a major upgrade to facilities at the Sunrise Centre, offering sharper and more precise imaging during radiotherapy treatment.

Janet called on the public to support The Sunrise Appeal’s mission. "Every pound donated makes a real difference," she said.