World Cancer Day 2021: Tom's Story

4 February 2021

Today is World Cancer Day and we want to shine a spotlight on the cancer patients treated across Bristol city centre hospitals and South Bristol Community Hospital.

Bristol Against Cancer is our campaign to make cancer care in Bristol the best it can be.

Long-term Above & Beyond fundraiser Tom Winchester shares his experience with cancer as part of the campaign.

I’ve been an Above & Beyond fundraiser for the past six years.

It all started when I was five. I had a brain tumour and had major surgery at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, so on the tenth anniversary of being tumour free I decided to start fundraising. I wanted to give back to the people that saved me.

I’ve done loads of different events, like walks, football matches, and a charity quiz and I have raised well over £6,000. I did a finale concert, which wasn’t really the finale! And loads of other little bits as well.

We had a tour around the children's hospital to see what the money raised would be going towards. Seeing the equipment it would buy the children that were in a similar position to me, and how it would influence and help them and their families get through the process, is amazing.

It’s been a privilege to raise money for Above & Beyond. It help me gain a lot skills, especially more confidence. I spoke at the Christmas Star Concert a few years back and speaking in front of 700 people was a quite a big step. It’s definitely changed my life for the better.

Supporting your local NHS charity is so worthwhile. You can help kids at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and know that they’ll go on to do something in the future because of the money you donate or raise.