Behind ‘see it. treat it.’ - Meet Appeal Board Member Francesca Wilder

Our ‘see it. treat it.’ appeal is led by a dedicated group of people who share the same incredible goal - to transform cancer care for patients across our region.

We spoke with Francesca Wilder, ahead of our upcoming takeover day at Bramall Lane, to hear why being an Appeal Board member is important to her.

What inspired you to join the 'see it. treat it.' Appeal Board?

My journey with the ‘see it. treat it.’ Appeal Board began through conversations with Dr Kash who played an important role in helping my dad receive care at Weston Park and has become a close friend of ours. Those discussions highlighted just how vital continued investment in advanced technology and patient services is for our region.

Weston Park Cancer Centre has always been close to my heart, having seen first-hand the exceptional care my family and friends have received, combined with my own experiences of loss and growing up in Sheffield, joining the Appeal Board felt like a meaningful way to give back, honour my parents’ journeys, and help improve outcomes for future patients.

What is your connection to Weston Park Cancer Charity?

My connection to Weston Park is deeply personal. It is a place that has supported my family and friends during some of the most difficult times in our lives. Alongside this, I have always been passionate about supporting people affected by cancer and had previously volunteered as a Ward Assistant at St Luke's Hospice for over seven years.

Weston Park represents compassion, hope, and exceptional care, and I am proud to support a charity that has had such a profound impact on my community and my family.

What is your role on the Appeal Board and how does your background contribute to its success?

As a member of the Appeal Board, my role is to help raise awareness, engage with supporters, and contribute to fundraising efforts that will make this vital project possible.

My personal experiences, combined with my background in volunteering and community involvement, as well as supporting and singing with Sheffield Cancer Choir allow me to bring a patient-focused perspective to the board. I understand how important access to the best possible care is, and I am passionate about helping to secure the funding needed to deliver it.

The 'see it. treat it.' appeal is raising £1.85m for a state-of-the-art MRI Simulator - how will this technology transform cancer care for patients across our region?

This technology will be truly transformative. The MRI Simulator allows clinicians to see tumours with far greater accuracy, which means treatment can be planned more effectively and safely.

At the moment, this technology isn't available in Sheffield, bringing it to Weston Park means patients will no longer need to travel to other cities for this level of care, allowing them to receive world-class treatment closer to home, surrounded by their support networks.

Is there a particular moment or story that has stood out to you since joining the Appeal Board?

There have been so many moments over the last year, one that really stood out to me was Chris Basham's Charity Day at Bramall Lane. It was an incredible example of the community coming together to raise awareness and vital funds for Weston Park. Seeing so many people coming together for the same cause was both moving and inspiring, and it reinforced just how much support there is for Weston Park across the city and beyond.

What would you say to someone who is considering donating to the appeal?

I would say that every donation, no matter the size, has the power to change lives. By supporting this appeal, you are helping to bring cutting-edge technology to our region and improve outcomes for thousands of patients now and in the future. Your generosity will help ensure people facing cancer receive the very best care possible, close to home, when they need it most.

Let's make a difference – together.

Join our 'see it. treat it.' appeal and donate today online or text CANCERAPPEAL followed by your donation amount to 70580 to give that amount. For example, CANCERAPPEAL 10 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.