HUNDREDS of former cancer patients were at the heart of a special event which celebrated 30 years of pioneering liver surgery at Basingstoke hospital.

More than 500 people travelled from near and far, including from Italy and France, to attend the milestone event at The Ark Conference Centre, and around 300 were former patients of the trailblazing team of consultant liver surgeons Merv Rees, Tim John, Fenella Welsh and Ben Cresswell.

The eldest surviving patient is Richard Nichols, now aged in his late 80s, who was operated on 28 years ago and he with other former patients were involved in the evening which showcased how the Basingstoke liver surgery team are still leading the way on a medical journey that started in the late 1980s.

Mr Rees, who gave a talk at the event on Friday, 6 July about the history of liver surgery and the unit at Basingstoke Hospital, said: “This is a very special day – I am overwhelmed to meet so many former patients in one place, some of whom I have not seen for 20 years.”

Miss Welsh highlighted the many contributions from the Basingstoke team that have changed practice worldwide and have improved so many aspects of patient care.

Both Mr Rees and Miss Welsh emphasised the support for innovation and research that has been given by local fundraisers, North Hampshire Medical Fund, Pelican Cancer Foundation, Innovation UK, and their patients.

Mr Rees paid tribute to the former patients, who have raised more than £150,000 to help pay for equipment and research, and members of the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) who are involved in various aspects of each patient’s care.

He added: “We know that we are only as good as our next case. We have developed a pretty impressive team, and we are privileged and humbled to look after people with really tough problems. We have always wanted to give people hope, and we are on a mission to be brilliant every time.”

After the presentations in The Squire Lecture Theatre, guests gathered for a Champagne celebration, and there was the added treat of listening to a performance by members of Basingstoke Hospital Male Voice Choir.

Mr Rees, who is president of the choir, enjoyed a spot of conducting before he cut a cake that had been commissioned by former patient Derrick Tyler.

The choir presented the liver surgery team with a £500 donation and many of the guests at the event also gave donations.