Luma Foundation raises £120,000 for pioneering cancer technology at Sheffield Children's Hospital
We have passed our fundraising target to fund nanopore sequencing at Sheffield Children's Hospital, cutting the wait for a brain tumour diagnosis from weeks to hours.
A scientist preparing samples in a laboratory · Photo: Julia Koblitz / Unsplash
Luma Foundation has surpassed its fundraising target after raising £120,000 to fund groundbreaking diagnostic technology that could transform the treatment of children with brain tumours.
The funding will purchase nanopore sequencing equipment for Sheffield Children's Hospital, helping clinicians deliver rapid genetic analysis of brain tumours and significantly reduce waiting times for families. We had set a target of £100,000 and exceeded it thanks to Yorkshire businesses, corporate donors and our annual Charity Clay Day at the Snilesworth Estate.
Hours, not weeks
Nanopore sequencing enables doctors to analyse tumour samples on site and receive detailed genetic information within hours, with a full diagnostic report available within 24 hours. At present samples are often sent to specialist laboratories elsewhere in the UK, leaving families waiting six to eight weeks for definitive results. The technology allows clinicians to identify tumour types more quickly, potentially improving outcomes for children diagnosed with brain cancer.
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.
Alex Duckett, Chair of Luma Foundation.
Luma Foundation Chief Executive Zoë Metcalfe said the success highlighted the impact businesses can have when they work alongside healthcare professionals and charities: "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."
Since its relaunch in 2024 the Foundation has funded robotic surgical training equipment and photobiomodulation units for Leeds Children's Hospital, and now nanopore sequencing for Sheffield. Every pound raised helps fund equipment that can make a lifelong difference.
