Generous donation to help cancer patients | News

A family who wanted to make other cancer patients’ journeys ‘a little easier’ have donated an ultrasound machine to the trust.

Multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter Matt Long passed away in October last year, just 18 months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

In memory of Matt, 29, his family donated the machine to Royal Surrey’s Onslow Ward, where he was cared for during much of his cancer journey.

Matt, who was part of the British blues-rock band Catfish, and who was twice voted instrumentalist of the year in the UK Blues Awards, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in spring 2023. Sadly, the cancer then spread to his liver and stomach lining.

After exhausting all available treatment on the NHS, Matt’s loved ones held a series of benefit events, raising more than £100,000 to fund further life-extending treatment.

During his treatment Matt suffered from repeated ascites, which is the painful build-up of fluid in the lining of his abdomen. 

This fluid is located with the assistance of an ultrasound scanner so that it can be drained. During Matt’s treatment, he had to make repeated visits to the Radiology Department for the procedure.

Matt’s parents, Fiona and Paul Long, said: “Sadly, the money couldn’t save him, but it does mean we have funds available to provide this piece of equipment to Onslow Ward.

“We hope that having this available on the ward will save future cancer patients from having to wait for a slot in radiology for ascites scans, allowing these to be done at their bedside.

“We hope this machine will make other people’s cancer journeys a little easier. Matt would have liked that.”

A number of the trust’s oncology nurses are currently undergoing training to use the ultrasound scanner.

Sarah Etherington, Associate Director of Nursing for Oncology, said: “A build-up of fluid in the abdomen can cause pain and breathing difficulties for cancer patients.

“We are incredibly grateful to Matt’s family for their generous donation, which will enable faster symptom relief and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.”

 

Photos of Matt on his wedding day and playing in his band (catfish).

Photo of Matt's family donating the ultrasound machine to the nurses on Onslow Ward.

Photo of the ultrasound machine with the engraved plaque.