Help bring life-changing low-dose x ray imaging to young patients

The N&N Hospitals Charity is urgently appealing for donations to help fund a low-dose X ray imaging system that will transform care for children and young people with scoliosis and other complex conditions at the N&N.

The charity aims to raise £841,500 to purchase the state-of-the-art EOSedge low dose imaging system, which significantly reduces radiation exposure while providing high quality 3D diagnostic images.

Children with scoliosis typically undergo frequent X rays to monitor curvature of the spine, resulting in repeated exposure to ionising radiation. The EOSedge system reduces radiation doses by up to 86%, dramatically lowering long-term risks while producing clearer, more detailed images to support diagnosis and surgical planning.

In addition to improving patient safety, the system will enhance research opportunities across scoliosis, limb deformities, and musculoskeletal disorders, and will make the N&N the first hospital in the East of England able to offer this advanced 3D low-dose imaging service.

Rachel Backshall, Charity Director, said: “This technology has the power to change lives.

“For our youngest and most vulnerable patients, those who often face years of repeated X rays, the new system means safer imaging, clearer diagnosis and greater peace of mind for families.

“We urgently need the community’s support to make this possible. Every donation, large or small, will bring us closer to giving children the safer care they deserve.”

The EOSedge system also supports faster and more accurate assessments by enabling simultaneous full body images, reducing both appointment times and stress for young patients. The improved 3D modelling will also assist surgeons in planning complex procedures with far greater precision.

The N&N Hospitals Charity is calling on local residents, businesses, community groups and supporters across Norfolk and beyond to rally behind this vital appeal and help protect children now and for generations to come.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE:

The Spinal Team at the N&N are embarking on an epic 6 day challenge this June where they will be walking, kayaking and cycling an amazing 180 miles! See below for their message and invitation for you to join some of this wonderful challenge:

We would be delighted if you could join us for the patient participation walk on 27th and 28th June 2026. Over these days we will be walking from Great Yarmouth on the Norfolk coast path with multiple stopping points along the way. Included are the details needed relating to start and end points. If you could join us for any of these days that would be amazing. There is no expectation for you to complete the whole distance but joining us at the start will go a long way to spurring us on!!

Please come along and bring friends and family. Order t-shirts for all who wish to join us and show East Anglia how all of us involved in the care of children with scoliosis support each other – see QR code attached to order free t-shirts. See details below of where you can join in the walk, or contact the charity team for more information.

Thank you so much for your time and we really do hope to see you!

Kindest regards

Tom, Leanne, Charlotte and the Spinal Department (supported by the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Charity)

Spineathlon walk – Great Yarmouth to Sea Palling – Saturday 27 June 2026

We would love for you to join us for all or part of the walk on Saturday 27 June, the walk will start outside the Brittania Pier at 9am.

You can walk the whole route, or you can walk a part of the route. We have divided the walk into the following sections, these will also be designated rest points.

All distances are approximate.

Section 1 – Great Yarmouth to Caister (3.3 miles)

Section 2 – Caister to Hemsby (2.5 miles)

Section 3 – Hemsby to Winterton (3.4 miles)

Section 4 – Winterton to Horsey (coastal path 5.1 miles, beach 3.5 miles)

Section 5 – Horsey Gap to Sea Palling (3 miles)

Spineathlon walk – Sea Palling to Cromer– Sunday 28th June 2026

We would love for you to join us for all or part of the walk on Sunday 28th June, the walk will start outside the entrance to Sea Palling beach at around 9am.

You can walk the whole route, or you can walk a part of the route. We have divided the walk into the following sections, these will also be designated rest points.

All distances are approximate.

Section 1 – Sea Palling to Happisburgh (5.2 miles)

Section 2 – Happisburgh to Walcott (2.2 miles)

Section 3 – Walcott to Bacton (2 miles)

Section 4 – Bacton to Mundesley (3 miles)

Section 5 – Mundesley to Cromer Hospital (7 miles)

Please contact the Charity Team on 01603 287107 or charity@nnuh.nhs.uk to let us know if you will be joining us, to ask any questions or for more detailed information.