The Full Circle Fund is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of babies, children and adults with life threatening illnesses, at St George's Hospital, London.

We understand the anxiety, distress and uncertainty that accompany a life-threatening illness, and which is often compounded by long periods of hospitalization, debilitating side-effects and loss of sense of control. Our pioneering programmes offer patients a sensitive programme of supportive therapies that help enhance the quality of life in the intensive clinical environment.

'Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness is a frightening experience' says Suzanne Ruggles, the founder and director of the Full Circle Fund. 'Fear, loss of control, distress, anxiety and debilitating side effects are some of the many reported difficulties. A growing number of well-designed studies show that supportive interventions such as therapeutic massage and relaxation training can help reduce anxiety, pain and nausea which are important factors influencing quality of life.'

We are part of this important movement, which is encouraged by many senior clinicians, including the Oncologist Professor Karol Sikora, and Paediatrician Sir Cyril Chantler, Chairman of the King’s Fund.

Our therapies aim to achieve improved quality of life, a reduction of anxiety, improvements in sleeping, feelings of wellbeing and control, a reduction in the perception of pain.

Supportive Therapies were first introduced to St George's Hospital in 1997 and we have always worked closely with clinicians and nursing teams to support patients at St George’s Hospital.

Providing more than 1,000 Supportive Therapy treatments a year for patients with life-limiting conditions, St George's Hospital, London has been the home of the Full Circle model since 2006.

With your help we could reach many more people receiving life saving treatment.

The Full Circle Fund's Management and Clinical Advisory Committees are made up of Consultants from Haematology, Oncology and Paediatric Medicine as well as senior nursing staff, therapists and former patients. As a result, the money raised is spent in the areas where it is most needed.

Creating hope

'We believe in quality of life amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of a life-threatening illness. For a very sick patient to experience an unexpected calm or a deeply restful sleep or experience less pain can be transformational.' adds Suzanne. 'There is so much more that we want to do'.

We receive no funding from the NHS and rely totally on donations to support our award-winning service. Our annual target for 2011 is £70,000, which would enable us to deliver over 2,000 treatments a year to those in most need.