Name a rat to support Scan for Life campaign
COLOURFUL: The new rat characters
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The Daisy Appeal has launched its Scan for Life campaign to raise £3m for a state-of-the-art digital PET-CT scanner at Castle Hill Hospital.
Building on the success of public art installation A Mischief of Rats, the charity introduces three illustrated rat characters who will drive awareness and fundraising for this life-changing technology.
The campaign stars Daisy Rat, who charmed communities during the sculpture trail in real life, alongside two new yet to be named rats who are currently dubbed Scientist Rat and Scanner Rat. You can send suggested names to daisy@daisyappeal.org.
People, community groups, and schools are all encouraged to take part in the naming competition, sharing their ideas for the new characters’ names.
Scan for Life promises world-class diagnostic imaging closer to home for cancer, heart disease, and dementia patients across Hull, East Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire.
The Daisy Appeal’s new digital PET-CT scanner will deliver faster, more precise results – reducing waiting times and expanding access for NHS patients at the Jack Brignall Centre at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.
“We’re thrilled to continue the playful, community spirit of A Mischief of Rats through our new rat characters,” said Professor Nick Stafford. “From art trail to life-saving scanner, beyond support the campaign has raised so far, we are asking the public and businesses to help us raise our target £3m.
“Every donation, share on social media, and sponsorship brings us closer to Scan for Life. The campaign will help us raise awareness of three key areas.
“Scan for Answers: shorter waits mean emotional relief from “limbo weeks”, guiding consultants’ treatment decisions, with follow-up imaging supporting ongoing care.
“Scan for More Time: early diagnosis unlocks better options, giving families more time together. The new digital scanner will boost annual scan capacity to meet growing demand.
“Scan for the Future: new tracers developed by the Daisy Appeal’s research team target prostate cancer, dementia, and children’s conditions. We are very proud that Hull joins only five UK centres with full-body digital PET capability, strengthening national research.”
Karen Hall, the Daisy Appeal’s business manager, said: “We're immensely grateful to the JF Brignall Charitable Trust for kindly sponsoring Light the Way, beautifully decorated by artist Gill Prendergast for the A Mischief of Rats trail. Donated by Tim and Kate Hazelwood, it now takes pride of place at the Queen's Centre – perfectly kick-starting our Scan for Life campaign.”
Entries for suggested names of Scientist Rat and Scanner Rat can be submitted by Monday, March 9. Entrants need to include their full name, address, contact number and email address.