Chance to view cancer centre

BREW with a view for, left to right, Jim Shaw, Bernie Byrne and Margaret Shaw

VISITORS at Oldham's brand new cancer care centre Maggie's Oldham have been getting a first glimpse inside and finding out more about how it can help those affected by cancer.

The centre, built in the grounds of the Royal Oldham Hospital, officially opened on Friday and the team are holding drop-in events for residents to visit the centre, meet the Maggie's Oldham team and enjoy a cuppa and cake in the impressive building.

Named the Sir Norman Stoller Centre, in honour of Oldham-born Sir Norman and The Stoller Charitable Trust who funded the centre, Maggie's Oldham provides practical, emotional and social support to people affected by cancer.

Delight

Those visiting the centre will be able to access Maggie's evidence-based programme of support, including psychological support, benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy, tai chi and yoga.

Bernie Byrne, centre head at Maggie's Oldham, said: "It gives me great delight to open the doors at Maggie's Oldham and to start welcoming people living with cancer from the local community and the area served by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

"This centre feels particularly special as it is Maggie's 21st centre and opens in the charity's 21st year.

"This beautiful and unique building has been thoughtfully designed and wrapped with a wonderful garden which, alongside our expert staff and evidence based programme of support, will give people the peace of mind they need to live with and beyond cancer.

"Of course none of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of The Stoller Charitable Trust and the very warm welcome and support we have all received from the people of Oldham."

All are welcome to attend the open days this week.

The drop in events take place on Thursday, June 15 from 2pm until 7pm and Friday, June 16 from 10am until 2pm.

To find out any more information about Maggie's Oldham, the programme of support the centre will be offering or to get involved with fundraising activities visit the website www.maggiescentres.org/oldham.

• See more pictures of Maggie's on our picture sales page.