Unity bands help battle cancer

SUPPORT . . . Nicola Jeffery-Sykes, of Saddleworth

A NATIONAL cancer charity has extended its thanks to Oldhamers for backing a day of action against the disease.

Cancer Research UK applauded hundreds of residents who took part in World Cancer Day on Saturday to help beat cancer sooner.

Oldhamers including golfers at Werneth Golf Club donned unity bands to promote the global awareness day in support of everyone affected by cancer.

Others donated in support of the day with the Oldham and Chadderton fundraising committee collecting from shoppers at Greenfield's Tesco over the weekend.

A special coffee morning was held at Healds Green Old School in Chadderton where tea, coffee and cakes were enjoyed by residents.

Cancer Research also thanked the Rose of Lancaster pub, Peacocks, The Works, Wynsors World of Shoes, Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, mydentist, Ripponden Road Dental Care and Rowland Pharmacies who stocked the charity's colourful unity bands ­- a national 'act of unity'.

James Cordon, Ricky Wilson, Piers Morgan, Ant & Dec and Emma Bunton were among the celebrities to support the World Cancer Day cause.

Diagnosed

Every year, around 1,100 people are diagnosed with cancer in Oldham ­- some 95 people every month ­- according to Public Health England figures.

Nicola Jeffery-Sykes (56) from Saddleworth proudly wore her unity band to mark the day. She has faced cancer on several fronts after initially being diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2009.

The mum-of-one volunteers as a cancer campaigns ambassador, writing to politicians and councillors on campaigns such as protecting smoking cessation services and reducing childhood obesity.

Oldham scientist Steve Lyons, from Grasscroft, who works at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, joined hundreds of scientists uniting for World Cancer Day.

Council staff took part in a special event in the run up to the big day to raise awareness of early prevention and diagnosis.

Cancer Research local spokeswoman Alison Barbuti said: "We'd like to thank everyone in Oldham who supported World Cancer Day and the Oldham Chronicle for their support in highlighting the day and the important work being done in the fight against cancer in Oldham and Greater Manchester.

"Every band worn, every donation made and everyone who showed their support will help save more lives by funding research that will accelerate Cancer Research UK's progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer."