Superheroes on the case

ABOVE: At the Ham-Fest Oldham Comic Con are (from left) Helen Copping as super hero Shera, organisers Loz Copping and Chris Lack, and Emma Calverley as Sara Connors

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HUNDREDS of comic-book and sci-fi fans united for the second annual Oldham Comic Convention.

Children, families and first-time visitors to the borough packed into Oldham Leisure Centre for Ham Fest: The 2nd Serving.

Characters from films, TV and books turned out for yesterday's event, which was co-organised by Captain Jack's Prop Shack and Savvy Props.

Loz Copping, of Captain Jack's, said: "We had 600 people pour in with pre-paid tickets and the event attracted many more throughout the day.

"It went really well. It is a big family-friendly fun event.

"Each set had characters on them who interacted with people, so it was a bit like a theme park.

"We also had lots of new traders this year as well as more 'cos' players to help us raise money. Every penny from the characters and sets is going into the buckets."

As it did last year, the event took place in aid of the Victoria Breast Unit based at the Royal Oldham Hospital, which provided invaluable support to Loz's wife Helen when she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Helen (39) said: "This whole event is to raise awareness and money for the unit. I was 37 when I was diagnosed. I didn't expect to get breast cancer at that age.

"I had to go through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and undergo lumpectomy surgery to remove the cancer from my lymph nodes.

"It was the most scary thing I have ever been through, but I had amazing support from my husband and family, and think I am stronger for it."

Helen is hoping to get the all-clear next month when she is due to have her second mammogram - an X-ray picture of the breast.

She praised the support she received during her treatment from her surgeon Maria Bramley, the lead for the Pennine Breast Unit, who is also the lead for the Link4Pink charity.

Helen said: "Miss Bramley was amazing. She skipped me down to surgery singing We're Off To See The Wizard.

"The unit was a life-saver, not just throughout my treatment but also providing after-care.

"We are so lucky to have so many fantastic health services here on our doorstep and raising awareness for them through this event is the least we can do."

Among comic characters featuring at the event was a Sarah Connor lookalike, played by Emma Lack, wife to event joint co-ordinator Chris Lack.

A Terminator set had been created, and Emma brought it to life by playing the fierce female star of the films.

In character with her black outfit, pistol, knife and AK47, she said: "This was the first time I'd done anything like this.

"I had some help learning how to pose and act, and have spent the day looking moody."

Meanwhile, three-year-old Archie Brennan was celebrating the success of winning the under-12s CosPlay competition for his impressive outfit.

His family, from Coningsby, Lincolnshire, proudly dressed him as Newt Scamander, the fictional author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Archie said: "I've got my wand and suitcase, and my scarf as well. I have really enjoyed today. I liked winning the competition."

There were three Waking Dead film sets unique to Captain Jack, which are the only ones of their kind in England.

Dave Charlton, of Rochdale Exotics, was also on hand with a two-year-old python, called Tyson, who visitors got a chance to hold.

Actor Martin Ballantyne was also at the event, speaking to visitors about his former roles as The Joker's henchman in The Dark Knight and Mundungus Fletcher's associate in the Deathly Hallows - Part 1.

He said: "Loz contacted me via Facebook about the Oldham event. It's been great speaking with people. This is one of around 40 shows that I do across the country each year."

Nicola Oldham, who dressed as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, attended for the first time with her family. She said: "My husband came last year and enjoyed it so we decided we would all make the trip. There is a lot for our children to do."