Charity champ won’t let cancer stand in her way

Helen Haigh, our latest Pride in Oldham nominee

A CANCER diagnosis was all the reason Moorside’s Helen Haigh needed to launch a fundraising campaign – and her brave stance has earned her a Pride in Oldham Award nomination from her sister Susan and friend Julie Hollis.

The inspirational nurse was diagnosed with breast cancer last June and immediately launched a fund-raising drive for hospital’s Link4Pink charity, which supports the Victoria Breast Care Unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Helen launched the campaign with her close friend Helen Pedroza, who was also treated at the unit when she found out she had breast cancer. The pair have raised more than £13,000, smashing the initial £500 target.

Helen has had major surgery, radiotherapy and takes medication to keep the disease at bay: no wonder Julie said: “It’s just inspiring — the work she has done and what she has achieved while going through what she she has been through. It’s made her more determined.”

Susan added: “She is seriously a true angel and the best sister, auntie, colleague and friend to many people who she always places first in her life before her own problems.

“She seriously deserves recognising for her achievement and strength she gives to numerous others with never asking anything in return.”

Helen (49) said: “When I was diagnosed, I thought, what do I do now? Do I sit back and carry on, or crack on with raising money?

“The fundraising has gone from strength to strength. I count myself as fortunate, not brave or inspirational. “There are people more brave and inspirational than me.

“You don’t choose to get cancer. But you can choose to make a difference.”

email: iramramzan@oldham-chronicle.co.uk