'Cancer's Got Talent' event proves a massive success with £7k raised already
Reporter: Mark Rooney
Date published: 14 August 2023
Co-organiser Julie Flanagan says that she hoped that the 'Cancer's Got Talent' event left a lasting impression on everyone
There was laughter, music and plenty of emotion as the Blue Tiffin restaurant in Royton came alive in a bid to raise much-needed funds to secure new scalp cooling machines for the Victoria Unit at Royal Oldham Hospital.
Co-organiser Julie Flanagan says that she hoped that the night left a lasting impression on everyone.
The one-off show - entitled 'Cancer’s Got Talent' - provided an evening of music and comedy with acts delivered by those with cancer, showcasing their own talent.
The evening, attended by over 100 people, started with a short video setting out the cause and songs from singing sensation Stefanie Ectkart, a drama teacher at Hulme Grammar School, followed by a tasty meal.
The extensive entertainment began with organiser Julie’s band, The Three Birds (Julie herself, Tracy Wheeldon and Abigail Hoy), plus daughter Jade Barker and brother Jimmy Melia’s band Quaver Tooth all forming the headline acts.
Julie explains how starting chemotherapy got her initially started on the charity venture with co-organiser Mark Rooney, himself a stage 4 cancer patient.
“I turned up to my first chemo guitar in hand fancying a jam session there," said Julie.
"And, because I had really thick hair, they said put this thing on your head, it freezes your scalp, it stops your hair from falling out as much.
"I have had three chemotherapy sessions so far and still got quite a bit of hair.
"You do have to have it tight on your head – it is a really marvellous invention and makes a difference.”
Quaver Tooth performed in the second half of the show with band members Jimmy Melia, Peter Wooding and carer Kevin Simpson.
Julie added: “It has raised money for a worthy cause as we know how important the scalp cooling machines are to help hair loss during some kinds of chemotherapy, and additional facilities will help the team go above and beyond for their patients.
“We also aimed to demonstrate with the evening that once we are diagnosed, we carry on with our lives and live them to the fullest.
“So far we have raised nearly £7,000 around the event, which from a standing start is amazing.
"Apart from the ticket sales, we had a very generous donation of £3,000 from Pat McQuillan of McQuillian Boilers in Middleton, 57 people kindly supported our JustGiving page where we raised over £2,000, the Blue Tiffin very generously gave us a cheque for £450 (see picture above), and we also held a raffle and bucket donation.
"We have set up a specific website - www.cancergottalent.com - where you learn about the night and can still go online to buy any remaining tickets or access our JustGiving page - all donations still welcome.”
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