Urology Dept at RCHT gets a makeover

In 2022, over six hundred people took part in the St Michaels Mount and Burgh Island charity swims. These events are part of the Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health annual fundraising and bring in participants from across the UK.  The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health was honoured that internationally renowned artist Kurt Jackson came along to record two of the charity’s favourite swims.

Now, paintings completed by Kurt during this time have been donated to the Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health. Paintings and sketches that Kurt made across the summer that feature the Burgh Island and St Michael’s Mount swims will be used to create a more relaxing environment for prostate, testicular and penile cancer patients at three sites, namely, The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, the new diagnostic hub in Bodmin and the brand-new Chestnut Unit in Plymouth, with Royal Cornwall Hospital being the FIRST to be unveiled.

Mark Mantle, Consultant Urologist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said, “When patients attend a cancer diagnostic unit for invasive tests, which may lead to a potentially life changing diagnosis, the physical environment is so important in helping to put them at their ease. After a refurbishment of the Urology Diagnostic and Treatment Unit at Royal Cornwall Hospitals we’ve been incredibly privileged that Kurt Jackson has kindly produced such amazing artwork to grace our walls.”

Lesley-Ann Simpson from the Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health, said, “To be able to have Kurt Jackson’s amazing art work housed within our hospitals will really help with the overall atmosphere of the area, ensuring that patients can feel a bit more relaxed when waiting to see a clinician. It’s about making the space feel friendly, warm and bright, these stunning art works, are not only a must-see, but are not on exhibition anywhere in the world. We are honoured to have had these paintings just for us.”

Describing how he got involved with the project, Kurt Jackson explains: “Like most people I have known friends and family who have had prostate cancer. In 2019 we lost my father, the teacher, painter and sculptor Peter Jackson, after a long period living with, and finally succumbing to, prostate cancer.  It seems to be so common in our society, but it can be treated if caught early and if people are aware. The Chestnut Appeal is there to help to prevent the ignorance and raise awareness, to overcome taboo and to help those who suffer.” 

“I spent a few days painting and sketching as a witness to all those amazing people that tackle the Chestnut Appeal charity swims,” Kurt continues. “It seems a distant memory now, those hot summer days with calm water, blue seas and all those hundreds of people swimming around the Mount and Burgh Island. It was a real spectacle and quite humbling. Initially, maybe naively, I had expected a line of athletic men with a racing start, churning through the seas with muscle-clad strokes. In reality, it was an amazing spectrum of all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. A happy, chatting crowd, mostly content to just complete the race in their own time. Joyful, a real delight to witness.”  

David Squires from The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health said, “We have been proudly serving the community of Devon & Cornwall for over 20 years. A big part of our work is raising awareness of the three male cancers: prostate, testicular and penile – and any funds we raise go towards new treatments, nurses and additional equipment for the NHS. This support will make a tangible difference to the lives of men and their families right here in Devon & Cornwall.  We can’t thank Kurt Jackson and his family enough, for supporting this much needed charity. Bringing art and health together, whilst making a real difference to our local communities, really is amazing.”