The Fountain Centre, in partnership with the Royal Surrey Hospital, proudly took part in NHS England’s 2024 Experience of Care Improvement Collaborative, a national initiative bringing together healthcare professionals and people with lived experience to improve cancer care.

Focusing on the administration of care, our project aimed to ensure that all cancer patients treated at the Royal Surrey NHS Trust Cancer Centre, receive timely and clear information on how to access wellbeing support through the Fountain Centre.

Co-led by Michelle Collin, Head of Cancer Services, and Anne Pike, Head of the Fountain Centre, and supported by executive sponsor Vicki Mumford, the project team also included Amy Granville (Lead Colorectal CNS), Lucie Broome (Lead Renal Cancer CNS), and Anne Brunton, our lived experience partner.

Over the past eight months, we have gathered data, interviewed patients and staff, run focus groups, and mapped referral pathways. A key strength of this project was the involvement of Anne Brunton, whose insights as a person with lived experience of cancer care were vital to ensuring our work was genuinely co-produced and patient-centred. Her contribution helped keep the voice of patients at the heart of every decision and direction the project took.

As a result of this work, over the next year, the Fountain Centre will develop new information resources and deliver educational sessions for clinical staff to raise awareness of our services and how we support patients. This includes producing a short film featuring real patient experiences.

Participating in this project has been a hugely positive experience. It highlights the strength of partnership working between the Fountain Centre and Royal Surrey NHS Trust and the power of co-production in shaping services that truly meet the needs of those they are designed to support.

Head Alex Peterken skydives for The Fountain Centre, inspiring students and the community

Some fundraising efforts involve cake sales, fun runs, or casual dress days. But for Charterhouse Head, Dr. Alex Peterken, the challenge was a little more extreme: jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet—all for a good cause.

Two Year 12 students had been volunteering with us here at the Fountain Centre and were deeply moved by the impact of our work. Inspired, they approached Dr. Peterken with an unusual request: Would he skydive to raise funds? He agreed—but on one condition: they'd have to jump too.

Reflecting on the challenge, Dr. Peterken admitted he hadn’t undertaken rigorous physical training. Instead, mental preparation was key—largely consisting of denial until the moment arrived.

“When the door opened and the red light came on, I looked down and realised I was 10,000 feet above the ground. I’m actually scared of heights, but when you're that high, your brain can’t quite grasp how far down it is,” he recalled.

With community support behind him, the fundraising effort gained momentum. A film of the event is set to be shown during the school’s prize-giving day, encouraging even more donations. So far, the initiative has raised over £7,000, with hopes of doubling that figure.

Dr. Peterken had personal motivation, too—The Fountain Centre had once supported his own family during a difficult time. That connection, combined with the students’ enthusiasm, made the effort even more meaningful.

His message to anyone considering fundraising for a worthy cause? “You’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the sense of purpose, community, and doing something out of your comfort zone. Skydiving isn’t for everyone, but stepping up for others is.

The Power of Community and Family in Supporting Mental Health During Cancer Treatment

Facing a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience, and the path through treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting. For those struggling with their mental health, the support of family and community becomes an invaluable lifeline that helps them find strength and hope.

Family plays a critical role in providing emotional stability. Their presence offers a sense of belonging and unconditional love, helping patients feel less isolated. From accompanying them to medical appointments to simply being a listening ear, family members create a safety net that fosters emotional resilience.

Similarly, community connections play a powerful role in supporting cancer patients' mental well-being. Support groups, both in-person and online, connect individuals with others who understand their experiences. This shared understanding can be profoundly comforting, reducing feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of solidarity. Friends and neighbours often step in with practical help, such as preparing meals or providing transportation, easing the burden and showing that the patient is not alone.

The positive impact of family and community extends beyond practical assistance—it reinforces a sense of purpose and normalcy during a tumultuous time. Encouragement from loved ones can motivate patients to adhere to their treatment plans and embrace moments of joy, even in the face of adversity.

By surrounding themselves with a compassionate support system, patients can navigate their challenges with greater courage and emotional well-being. For families and communities, offering empathy, patience, and understanding can make a world of difference in the lives of those they care for. Together, they form a powerful alliance, proving that healing is not just about treatment—it's also about connection.