Money donated for cancer equipment

A cheque for $10,000 has been presented to Gosford Hospital by members of men's bowling clubs on the Peninsula who raised the money from the Peninsula Charity Bowling Days held in June.

Gosford Hospital will use the money to purchase a laparoscopic bulldog clamp used to treat people undergoing surgery to treat kidney cancer.

Everglades Men's Bowling Club, Umina Beach Men's Bowling Club and Ettalong Memorial Men's Bowling Club each hosted a charity bowling day to support people in the community with cancer.

Woy Woy Men's Bowling Club were also supporters of each of the charity days, although did not hold their own event.

The event was originally started by Umina Beach Bowling Club in memory of Ron Pursehouse who died of prostate cancer.

Clinical nurse educator Mr Tim Wharton said the new equipment would enhance the treatment of people being treated for kidney cancer.

"These clamps are used during keyhole surgery on kidneys.

"They allow us to remove the diseased part of the kidney rather than having to remove the whole kidney.

"It is much less risky for the patient if we are able to save part of their affected kidney.

"The overall risk to their renal system is reduced by not having to totally remove one kidney.

"We are really grateful to all the members of the bowling clubs for their efforts in organising these events and for their generosity.

"It will really benefit a lot of people having cancer treatment," said Mr Wharton.

Umina Beach Bowling Club bowls coordinator Mr Ian Jarratt said club members from all clubs were dedicated to helping staff at Gosford Hospital to continue to provide the best possible treatment and care to the local community.

"Many people in the community are fighting cancer and we know what a difficult time this can be for them and their family and friends.

"We hope our donations make things easier for them," said Mr Jarratt.

Media Release, 23 Oct 2012

Jan Richens, Central Coast Local Health District