Following a preliminary diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by CT scan at York, Tom had to be transferred to a Leeds hospital for a procedure known as ERCP, including the insertion of a stent into his bile duct (to relieve his major jaundice) and an internal ultrasound/biopsy of the tumour.  The ERCP could have been done in York (and was repeated very successfully later to help with serious bouts of pain) but currently York hospital does not have the facilities for the internal ultrasound/biopsy.  Tom would have far preferred to have received all his treatment in York giving him a continuity of care with the excellent team that he was getting to know and trust, and in an environment that was becoming more familiar - and also nearer to home - so easier for family to visit.

The funds raised in Tom's memory will be used to enhance the quality of care offered to patients receiving diagnoses of gastroenterological conditions and their management here in York and the surrounding area. A project proposal is being submitted for a new Endoscopic Ultrasound Service in York which would allow internal ultrasound and biopsies of the pancreas to be taken in York rather than patients having to travel to other hospital sites.