Darlington-based healthcare provider, Circle Health Group, has donated £10,000 a year to fight a condition that affects 60 per cent of people in County Durham.

The money for the British Skin Foundation will tackle skin conditions and fund vital research into all types of skin conditions, including skin cancer. The annual donation will go towards more groundbreaking research by teams across the UK. 

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David Uregbula, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Circle Health Group said: 'With specialist dermatology services available across our national network of hospitals, we understand the importance of the British Skin Foundation's work.

"We are delighted to be playing a pivotal role in supporting their drive to improve research and treatment for future generations.'

British Skin Foundation Chief Executive Office, Matthew Patey OBE agrees that: ‘We still have lots of work to do to improve the lives of patients in the UK and across the world. This substantial donation from Circle Health Group gives the scientific community’s most talented researchers more resources to continue their ongoing mission.’

The  Foundation is the only UK charity that raises money to fund research into all types of skin diseases. It is dedicated to raising money for research and awareness of skin diseases in the wider community, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

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Circle Health Group - which operates the Woodlands Hospital in Darlington - is an award-winning healthcare provider operating Britain’s largest network of independent hospitals.

It supports patients whether they fund their own treatment or are supported by private healthcare insurance, and the group also works in partnership with the NHS. Circle Health Group acquired BMI Healthcare in January 2020.

The group operates independent hospitals, runs integrated care programmes and rehabilitation services, and has an overseas division which operates in Shanghai.