Charity champion is 'Woman of Oldham'

WOMAN of Oldham . . .Vera Dolan

A STALWART for a cancer charity has been crowned the 2016 Woman of Oldham.

Vera Dolan (75), who set up Oldham's Cancer Aid Network (CAN), was announced the winner of the award at the annual charity luncheon.

The former Macmillan nurse was praised for her dedication to cancer patients and their families throughout her lifetime.

Privilege

Mrs Dolan, of Dobcross, was presented with the Oldham Chronicle Rose bowl and a large bouquet of flowers in front of around 200 women.

She said: "It has been such a privilege over all these years to do something which brought me so much joy.

"So obviously I don't think it is deserved because it was brilliant to be able to do it.

"Some of the people I have met have been so incredible ­- they make you take a different view of life.

"They just need somebody by the side of them.

"It is the best job in the world and to get this is just so unbelievable, so thank you so much."

The award, which celebrates women who contribute to the life of the community, was presented at The White Hart, Lydgate, yesterday.

Committee chairman for 2016-17 Margaret Chadderton said: "This year's winner was a nurse for Macmillan who went above and beyond her duties in her dedication and care for her patients.

"She is thought of very highly by the families who have come into contact with her at the worst time of their lives.

"Over the last 17 years she has been a stalwart for the group CAN, providing support for cancer patients, their carers and families, helping them to overcome their feeling of isolation, stress and loneliness.

"This lady has always been there for everyone who needs her and gives her time freely to the people who need this service most.

"We are pleased to award the Woman of Oldham award for 2016 to Vera Dolan."

CAN, set up by Mrs Dolan and two other nurses, was saved from closure two years ago after issuing an appeal for support in the Chronicle when funding streams ran dry.

Mrs Dolan, whose background is in health visiting, said: "I am the only professional left now, 20 years on.

"We will keep it going as long as we can."

Last year's winner was Joan Halkyard, of Saddleworth, who was crowned for her voluntary work and fundraising efforts.

All proceeds from the luncheon and other fundraising events will be donated to the Kingfisher School, the Woman of Oldham charity of the year.

Difference

Executive principal Anne Redmond said: "We are Oldham's only primary special school for complex and severe learning needs.

"When I started almost 12 years ago, we had 96 children and there are now 177 pupils.

"We have an interactive learning area, a studio with different environments where we use holistic therapies and we are currently trying to raise money for our hydrotherapy pool.

"To take us on board as the charity is massive for us.

"So I really want to thank you for making such a difference."