LEGO radiography machine model donated to Cancer Centre

A bespoke LEGO model of a radiography machine has been donated to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust by the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester. The donations has been made so that young patients can understand how the machine works, in a less intimidating way than might otherwise be possible.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre have shared this heart warming story:

Fascinated by the technology behind the radiotherapy equipment, Reece Holt, aged 10 from Morecambe who was treated with radiotherapy for a brain tumour, took inspiration from Sarah’s model and decided to make his own recreation of the machine. He then kindly gave this to the radiotherapy department so he could encourage other children to feel inspired and at ease.

He said: “I thought if another child was scared of the machine, they could play with it first so it didn’t seem so scary when they had treatment.”

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre decided to see if LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester was interested in helping producing something built by its Master Model Builder Alex and Sarah was thrilled when they got involved.

The attraction has made an even bigger version of the model to help other children coming into the department for treatment. Reece was excited to accept the new model on behalf of the hospital.

Sarah Stead, Paediatric Specialist Radiographer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “I spend time with each child in the radiotherapy machine room explaining how the machine works but unfortunately time is limited. I can use the LEGO® model to explain how the machine will move in more depth and answer any of their questions.”

Sarah added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester for putting the time and effort into making this model for Clatterbridge, it will be an invaluable tool.”