On Thursday, 30 June, a time capsule was buried on the site of the new Centre for Cancer Immunology.
Joined by ex-Saints centre-forward Matt Le Tissier, the celebratory event was supported by senior executives from both the University of Southampton and the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. The University was also delighted to welcome three-year-old Phelan Jordan, one of our clinical trial patients who is now in remission following cancer immunology treatment for neuroblastoma.
Containing a pledge which reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to curing cancer, the capsule also includes a signed shirt from Le Tissier and a drawing by Phelan, along with campaign videos and related materials. As the capsule was lowered into the ground, Professor Tim Elliott, Director for the new Centre, expressed his hope that we live in a cancer-free world when the capsule is one day dug up. Phelan joined in the activities, shovelling the first spade of sand on the Time Capsule and enjoying a ride in a digger on site.
President and Vice-Chancellor Sir Christopher Snowden said:
“This time capsule represents our strong commitment to developing treatments that provide long-lasting defence against cancer. Through our successful partnership with the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, we have developed a unique ‘bench to bedside’ approach, taking our scientific discoveries directly to the clinic where they are helping many people fight cancer. But there is still a lot to learn. By pooling our understanding and extending our resources in the new Centre, we will accelerate our research progress and save many more lives.”
The Centre, which is expected to open next year, will be the first in the UK dedicated to cancer immunology research.
Visit the campaign’s facebook page to see full photos from the event.
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