We are delighted to share that our company charity, the Luma Foundation, has surpassed its fundraising target at its annual Clay Day, raising an incredible £120,000 to support groundbreaking diagnostic technology for children with brain tumours.
This money will fund nanopore sequencing equipment for Sheffield Children’s Hospital, significantly improving the speed and precision of genetic testing for young patients and their families across Yorkshire.
Nanopore sequencing technology allows clinicians to analyse tumour samples on-site and generate detailed genetic insights within hours, with full diagnostic reports available within 24 hours.
At present, many samples must be sent to specialist laboratories elsewhere in the UK, resulting in waiting times of six to eight weeks for definitive results. By bringing this capability in-house, clinicians will be able to identify tumour types far more rapidly, helping to accelerate treatment decisions and reduce uncertainty for families at an exceptionally challenging time.
This year’s Clay Day, held at Snilesworth Estate, once again brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs and supporters from across the region. Now established as one of Yorkshire’s most popular charity events, the Luma Foundation charity clay shoot continues to grow year on year, with proceeds directly funding vital healthcare equipment and innovation projects.
Alongside corporate partnerships and donations, the event has now helped deliver multiple high-impact initiatives across Yorkshire’s children’s hospitals.
Alex Duckett, Chairman of the Luma Foundation, and Gilbanks’ Managing Director, said: “Reaching £120,000 is an incredible achievement and demonstrates what Yorkshire’s business community can accomplish when it comes together behind an important cause. Nanopore sequencing has the potential to be genuinely life-changing for children and their families. Faster diagnoses mean faster treatment decisions, reduced uncertainty and ultimately better outcomes. We are enormously grateful to every company and individual who has supported this appeal.”
Zoë Metcalfe, Chief Executive of the Luma Foundation, added: “This achievement shows the power of partnership between business, medicine and the wider community. The support we have received will help ensure children facing some of the most challenging circumstances receive access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology much sooner. But there is still much more to do. Hospitals across Yorkshire continue to require specialist equipment that can enhance patient care, support clinicians and improve outcomes for young people.”
The Luma Foundation remains committed to working alongside healthcare professionals, hospitals and supporters to ensure children across Yorkshire have access to the very best medical technology available.
