What is a LINAC?
A Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine is used to deliver radiotherapy to patients who need it as part of their treatment.
A Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine is used to deliver radiotherapy to patients who need it as part of their treatment.
A patient will have their treatment carefully planned by the radiotherapy team, and delivered over a number of days (up to around seven weeks in some cases). It is vital that radiation is delivered accurately to limit any damage to healthy parts of the person’s body, and we were keen to support this project as this new equipment would both improve accuracy and shorten waiting times for treatment.
Lingen Davies raised £750,000 towards the cost of the LINAC (50% of the total). The appeal was a huge success, and having reached the funding target four months early, it was extended to raise a further £166,000 for a Perfect Pitch™ Couch. This goes alongside the LINAC to further improve accuracy and limit the time patients are exposed to radiation. The couch moves in all directions and angles to allow radiotherapy to be delivered consistently to the right spot, even if a patient’s tumour moves due to changes in the body, without having to re-plan their treatment.
The new LINAC and couch have been delivered and enabling works are underway to get them installed. They will be up and running in August 2017.
Organising your own fundraising event in aid of Lingen Davies is a brilliant way to contribute to funding our projects. Events could include anything from arranging a bake sale and coffee morning, raffle draw, charity ball, themed evening, tractor run, 24hr ‘athon’ of your favourite hobby, music event, or a sponsored walk.
