A medical charity based in Northwood is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is marking the milestone with the launch of an appeal to raise funds for a new state-of-the-art CT scanner.

The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, established by Dr Paul Strickland in 1985, and based at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood, provides comprehensive scanning services for the early diagnosis, monitoring and research of cancer and other life-limiting diseases.

A range of events are planned to mark the 30th anniversary, with all proceeds going to the CT scanner appeal. These include a spring walk, charity golf day and participation in the London Marathon.

Dr Andrew Gogbashian, CT lead consultant radiologist at the centre, said: "the centre currently has a complement of five scanners (one CT, two MRI and two PET/CT) but it is safe to say that the CT scanner is the ‘work horse’ of the centre.

"In the last year alone our CT scanner was responsible for scanning around 40 per cent of the patients seen here.

"While it is still going strong, there have been important technological advances since it was installed in 2007.

"Now 8-years-old, our scanner is in need of replacement to remain at the forefront of technology."

According to Dr Gogbashian, the latest models bring tangible benefits for both patient and clinicians.

The new models have faster scanning times and a more open structure, making for a more comfortable experience.

He added: "With the funds our local supporters help us raise we’ll be able to buy a scanner that will deliver crisper image with sharper definition.

"This makes it easier for radiologists to detect even smaller abnormalities.

"Having the best scanning facilities is central to the centre’s vision of world-class research. Pushing the boundaries of imaging enables breakthroughs that may save many lives."

Dr Gogbashian is therefore keen to ensure the centre remains at the cutting edge.

"Most of our research studies are carried out using the CT scanner, so it is absolutely vital that this scanner is upgraded," he said.

Claire Strickland, chief executive and daughter of the centre’s founder is delighted to be launching the appeal in the charity’s 30th year.

She said: "We do not receive any direct government funding, so we rely entirely on donations to fund our scanner replacement programme.

"We have fantastic local support, however high-level scanners cost upwards of £1 million.

"This is why we desperately need continued support is we are to carry on giving our patients the very best in world-class diagnostic facilities.

"My father was incredibly proud of the centre and its achievements and I can think of no better tribute to his work than to mark our 30th anniversary by funding a new CT scanner."