A VISIT by the Duchess of Kent made the 30th anniversary celebration particularly special for patients and staff of the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre.

The charity offers early diagnosis, monitoring and research of cancer and other life-limiting diseases and is based on the Mount Vernon Hospital site in Northwood.

Established by Dr Paul Strickland in 1985, the centre marked this milestone with the launch of an appeal to raise funds for a new CT scanner.

During her welcome to guests, Claire Strickland, chief executive and daughter of the founder, explained: "We do not receive any direct government funding, so we rely entirely on donations to fund our scanner replacement programme.

“We have fantastic local support, but high-level scanners cost upwards of £1m. This is why we desperately need continued support if we are to carry on giving our patients the very best diagnostic facilities.

“My father was incredibly proud of the centre and its achievements and I can think of no better tribute to his work than to mark our 30th anniversary by funding a new CT scanner.”

Centre staff were joined on the day by supporters, sponsors, and special guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, Cllrs George and Judith Cooper, the centre’s patron, Wing Commander Edna Partridge, and Bruce Houlder, Deputy Lieutenant for Hillingdon.

Guests were treated to music by the Harrow Apollo Male Choir while they enjoyed canapés and refreshments on the lawn, before the arrival of the Duchess, who was presented with flowers by three-year-old Eve Melsome.

She spoke with patients and their families before unveiling a commemorative plaque.