Take a cultural trek to help cancer centre

DEBBIE COLE

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MAGGIE'S Oldham supporters will be able to get an exclusive look behind the scenes at some of the borough's cultural gems as a new fundraising event is launched.

The Maggie's Culture Crawl is part night-walk, part cultural adventure around the town and gives participants the chance to see Oldham in a new light while enjoying an evening of fun, food and entertainment.

The event, on Friday, September 29, involves a 10k walk, with a variety of stops along the way at some of Oldham's cultural icons.

Venues confirmed for the first ever Maggie's Oldham Culture Crawl include Gallery Oldham and Alexandra Park, with more set to be revealed closer to the date.

One of the people who will be joining in with the walk is Debbie Cole, from Bardsley.

Debbie was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in January last year and has become a regular visitor to Maggie's Oldham since the centre opened in June.

Debbie said: "After my diagnosis I found dealing with the situation at times very hard.

"While having chemotherapy I watched the Maggie Centre being built at the Royal Oldham Hospital so I found out from The Christies Manchester what Maggie's was all about.

"The Maggie's in Oldham is right on my doorstep and I regularly visit the centre myself so I feel I want to help in any way I can to support such a fantastic place.

"The Culture Crawl is a perfect way of raising money for this worthy cause plus I'll be getting sneak peaks at buildings in my home town which I wouldn't normally get to see which is exciting."

Maggie's Oldham, based in the grounds of the Royal Oldham Hospital, provides free practical and emotional support for people living with cancer.

As the number of people living with cancer increases it is essential that those affected are able to find the practical and emotional support they need to cope with the changes that life after cancer brings.

Maggie's Oldham offers a way of living well with cancer. This includes ensuring that people with cancer in the area are listened to and offered individual support, group support and practical advice, all delivered by a qualified professional within a space that enables them to meet other people who understand about living with cancer.

Bernie Byrne, Centre Head from Maggie's Oldham, said: "As a charity Maggie's Oldham relies on donations to continue developing our programme of support, so we would love for everyone from the local community to be involved.

"We are grateful for Debbie's support and I really hope the local community gets behind the event to help us support as many people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, in Oldham and the surrounding areas."

All walkers will get a free T-shirt and a medal. Tickets are £20 with a fundraising target of £80 or £60 with no fundraising target. Register at www.maggiescentres.org/ccoldham or contact Laura on 0161 989 0550/ 07584 518 266 or laura.tomlinson@maggiescentres.org