Cheltenham-based medical charity Cobalt's new appeal to purchase the very latest digital Positron Emission Tomography/Computerised Tomography (PET/CT) scanner has got off to a great start.

To date £100,000 of the £303,000 fundraising target needed has been achieved. The total cost of the project is £2million.

Cobalt has been supporting the NHS for more than 50 years by providing the very latest technology.

The equipment will be one of only six digital PET/CT scanners in the country and will support up to 6,000 NHS patients each year from throughout Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

PET/CT scans are primarily used to diagnose cancer and to assess the spread of cancer (stage). This enables both the planning of the most effective treatment and monitoring the response to that treatment. PET/CT is also used to support the early diagnosis of dementia, and Cobalt is a leading UK centre.

By investing in the latest equipment Cobalt will be able to support an early and accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes. This technology will also enable the charity to support a wide range of research focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and dementia.

Julia Jenkins, head of fundraising at Cobalt said: "We are so grateful to have reached this milestone, which has only been possible as a result of the generosity and support from many donors. This sophisticated technology is expensive and we need the help of our local community to be able to reach our target".

Donations can be made online at https://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/support-us/.

Alternatively call 01242 535922 to donate by phone or for further information. Donations can also be made by texting 'COBALT 3' to 70085 to donate £3. (Costs £3, plus one standard rate message charge).

To find out more about please go to: www.cobalthealth.co.uk 

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