Behind ‘see it. treat it.’: Meet Appeal Board member Nigel Beasley

At the heart of our ‘see it. treat it.’ campaign is our incredible Appeal Board, a passionate group of dedicated individuals who are helping us to drive our fundraising goal forward - their commitment, passion and their wide professional networks are vital to the appeal’s success.

‘see it. treat it.’ is our most ambitious appeal yet. We’re calling on the public to help us raise £1.85 million to fund a ground-breaking MRI simulator scanner for Weston Park Cancer Centre. This life-changing piece of technology will transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated for patients across our region.

To celebrate the people behind ‘see it. treat it.’, we’re introducing each of our Appeal Board members and sharing what motivates them to be part of the journey to bring this life-changing scanner to our hospital.

We recently spoke with Nigel Beasley, former Lead Cancer Clinician and Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospital, to hear why being involved is important to him.

What inspired you to join the ‘see it. treat it.’ Appeal Board, and what is your connection to Weston Park Cancer Charity?

Up until two years ago, I was Lead Cancer Clinician and Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospital.

I have also been a Trustee of Weston Park Cancer Charity for the past four years, during which time I’ve been continually inspired by the generosity of local people and businesses across South Yorkshire.

I’ve also seen first-hand the difference this new technology can make. I visited the MRI simulator at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals and heard all about how it has already transformed treatment for so many patients.

What is your role on the Appeal Board, and how does your background contribute to its success?

As a former cancer clinician, my role is to help fellow Appeal Board members understand the life-changing impact that the MRI simulator will have for patients.

The scanner will transform the hospital’s ability to see the patients’ cancer more clearly, deliver radiotherapy with greater precision, and reduce complications.

I also act as a bridge to the clinicians currently treating patients at Weston Park Cancer Centre, ensuring their voices and expertise remain central to the appeal.

The ‘see it. treat it.’ appeal is raising £1.85m for a state-of-the-art MRI simulator. How will this technology transform cancer care across our region?

The MRI simulator will revolutionise the way the hospital plans and delivers radiotherapy.

It will completely transform the way we ‘see’ and ‘treat’ a wide range of cancers - including prostate, lung, head and neck, brain, gynaecological and some bowel cancers - improving outcomes for patients across South Yorkshire.

Is there a particular moment or story that has stood out to you since joining the Appeal Board?

One moment that has stayed with me is hearing fellow trustee Professor Jim Catto share research into prostate cancer treatment using the MRI simulator. The research showed that, by seeing cancers more accurately, we can safely reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions from 20 to just five.

That means reducing treatment from four weeks down to just one, which will be life-changing for patients.

What would you say to someone considering donating to the appeal?

The MRI simulator represents a monumental change in the way we ‘see’ and ‘treat’ cancer.

It will have an immediate impact for patients in our region, helping us treat cancer more effectively while reducing side effects.

Every donation brings us closer to transforming cancer care for thousands of people in our communities.

Let's make a difference - together

Join our 'see it. treat it.' appeal and donate today online or text CANCERAPPEAL followed by your donation amount to 70580 to give that amount. For example, CANCERAPPEAL 10 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.