The Home of The Pearl Newman Cancer Relief Fund
History
The Pearl Newman Memorial Fund was founded in 1993 following the death
of Pearl Newman from ovarian cancer on 30 November 1992. set up by Mr
Peter Newman and his family, the original aim, to provide Morphine
Syringe Pumps to local doctors and hospitals, was quickly fulfilled. In
March 1996 Mr Peter Newman was received an MBE at Buckingham Palace in
recognition of his charity work. In 2003 the Fund was renamed as the
Pearl Newman Cancer Relief Fund to reflect the growing remit.
To date, the Pearl Newman Cancer Relief Fund has now raised in excess of
half a million pounds.
What does the Fund do?
The Pearl Newman Cancer Relief Fund aims to improve the quality of life
for terminally ill cancer patients and their carers in Kent, Sussex,
Hampshire and Essex by attempting to provide any kind of medical,
financial or emotional support needed. It does this in a number of ways:
Counselling services
In 1994 The Fund appointed Jennifer Wonnacott MSc as the first 'Pearl
Newman Oncology Counsellor'. She is based at the Queen Elizabeth, the
Queen Mother Hospital in Margate and attends patients throughout East
Kent. Her services are in high demand so we hope to be able to fund more
counsellors in years to come.
Providing equipment
The Fund's original aim, the provision of Morphine Syringe Pumps, was
quickly achieved and since that time we have supplied various items to
professionals in need including a liquid nitrogen tank to the
Haematology Research Unit at Pembury Hospital in 1993. Between 1995 to
1998 the Fund sponsored Dr Grazyna Lewandowicz as the first 'Pearl
Newman Research Fellow' at Pembury Hospital. During this time her work
was published in ten scientific publications on ovarian cancer.
Financial assistance
The Fund has helped many families experiencing cash flow problems
through illness. the grants have been used for a wide range of reasons
from paying the bills, a weekend break or even Christmas presents for
the kids.
Providing peace of mind
in 1999 the Pearl Newman Chapel & Quiet Room was opened at the Hospice
in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells. The Chapel provides a quiet place where
relatives can light a candle, sit in calm and remember their loved ones.
Remembrance Gatherings are hosted four times a year.
How does the Fund raise money?
There is a variety of ways in which the Fund raises money:
Annual Duck Race
Annual Golf Day & Auction
Raffles
Charity Shops
Quiz Nights
Collection Tins
Donations