The Royal Marsden March

We were delighted to hear of the new West Wing Clinical Research Centre being opened on 1st July 2014 at The Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton.

The £2.6million centre was largely funded by legacies and donations left by generous supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and is a shining example of how fundraising has helped the re-investment of resources at both The Royal Marsden Hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton, improving cancer treatment across the board.

The Centre will bring both early-phase and late-phase clinical trials together in one space with treatment bays, consulting rooms, a dedicated on-site laboratory and a pharmacy room. It will also enable the hospital to develop personalised medicine and translate the latest scientific findings into first class clinical care for all its patients.

Casablanca Hire was present at the Royal Marsden March on Sunday 16th March, a sponsored run or walk in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. All funds raised were donated to charity, giving it the fuel to invest and create its world-leading innovation centre, pioneering the latest cancer prevention and treatments to save lives.

The Royal Marsden boasts the best diagnosis, treatment and care through state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology for their cancer patients. Since 2010 the Marsden March has managed to raise a staggering £3.25million, and last year the charity raised £9million for better facilities to battle cancer.

Casablanca Hire was humbled at the number of supporters, patients, family, friends, hospital staff and celebrity supporters who signed up and turned out on the day. The Marsden March is a sponsored walk between the two Royal Marsden hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton with the full 14-mile route takes the runners and walkers through South London, from Chelsea passing through Putney and Wimbledon before finishing off in Sutton. There is a shorter 5-mile route available for those who want a less strenuous walk, particularly good for families, following the final 5-miles of the main route.

Each year thousands of people turn out for the Marsden March to walk either the 14-mile or 5-mile route between Chelsea and Sutton hospitals, and it is a great way for people show support or honour a loved one who has suffered from cancer, or just to get involved to raise money for a good cause.

Casablanca Hire provided a marquee which hosted a big thank you party at the end of the 14-mile route, as a celebration of the day where walkers and staff from The Royal Marsden’s hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton. Casablanca Hire’s marquees and event furniture gave place for rest, rehydration and refuelling from the barbeque, which provided a range of food for the participants. There was also live entertainment from a series of guest bands and children’s activities such as face painting, welcoming the participants and family into the marquee.

Casablanca Hire was touched by the whole experience and would be looking to work with The Royal Marsden again to help raise money for this great cause that affects so many people’s lives for the better. People can join the early bird list to take part in The Marsden March 2015, which will be held on Sunday 22nd March – put the date in your diaries, sign up and we will hopefully see you there!