NSCG Community Raises £1,000 to Support Royal Stoke Cancer Centre Café
06 February 2026
Staff, students and families from Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) have come together to raise £1,000 in support of the transformation of a café space at the Cancer Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital, helping to create a welcoming environment for patients and their loved ones.
The fundraising initiative was led by Engineering Lecturer Roger Sharman, with support from colleagues, students and the wider community, following Roger’s own cancer treatment at the Centre over the past ten years. Roger, a former Royal Air Force serviceman of 18 years, was diagnosed with myeloma and has since undergone intensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Wanting to give back in thanks for what he describes as “exceptional care”, Roger was supported by Level 2 Engineering students Jacob Bould and Mykhailo Tsymbal, alongside T Level Placement Officer Gemma Shelley. Over nearly six months, the group organised a range of fundraising activities, including college stalls selling handcrafted and 3D-printed items designed and produced by students using skills from their course.
Community support played a key role in the campaign with Nick and Sue Brandrick of Wood Farm in Tean, the family farm of Gemma Shelley, hosting events such as a Christmas Grotto and Fayre to raise both funds and awareness for UHNM Charity.
On 30 January, the group visited the Royal Stoke University Hospital Cancer Centre for a special cheque presentation.
Roger Sharman, Engineering Lecturer at NSCG, said: “It has been inspirational to see how wider our communities have supported this recent venture; whilst Cancer treatment is a tough experience and support from RSUH professionals cater for individual needs, the social ‘chat’ space will be able to provide a comfortable escape area.
“Being diagnosed with cancer was life-changing, and the treatment journey has been challenging, but the care I have received at UHNM has been exceptional throughout. The professionalism, kindness and expertise of the medical, nursing and support teams have made an enormous difference to me and my family, and I am extremely grateful for the care and reassurance they continue to provide.”
“Fundraising for UHNM felt like a meaningful way to give something back. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by my family, colleagues, students and the wider community, all of whom came together to support this cause.”
Engineering student Jacob Bould said: “Being involved in the fundraising has been a really positive experience. It’s been rewarding to use the skills we’re learning on our course in a real way and know that what we’re doing is making a difference. I’m proud to have been part of something that supports patients and staff.”
Gemma Shelley, T Level Placement Officer at NSCG, added: “Working alongside Roger, we were very aware of the journey he has been on and how important this cause is. My family has run a Christmas grotto at Wood Farm for many years to support charities, and this year it felt right to come together to support Roger and UHNM Charity. Seeing how much the care he received meant to him really motivated us to get involved.”
Lisa Thomson, Director of UHNM Charity, said: “On behalf of UHNM Charity, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at NSCG — the students, staff, families and community partners — who came together to support this wonderful project. Their generosity will help create a welcoming and comforting space, offering patients and their loved ones a moment of respite during an incredibly challenging time.”
As part of his treatment, Roger also took part in the Myeloma XI clinical trial, allowing him access to the latest therapies and a personalised maintenance chemotherapy plan. He hopes his involvement will help improve treatments for future patients.
Roger and the NSCG team are now aiming to raise a further £1,500 over the next year to continue supporting the Cancer Centre and help make an even greater difference for patients and their families.