Cancer lifeline sinking fast

Reporter: Lucy Kenderdine
Date published: 25 November 2014


A CANCER support group is on the verge of closing after almost 20 years of work.

The Oldham Cancer Aid Network is appealing for sponsors and fundraisers to help the group to continue.

Now in its 19th year, CAN meets twice a month at South Chadderton Methodist Church and is open to anyone affected by cancer, either as a patient, carer, family member or medical worker.

Vera Dolan, a former Macmillan nurse, set up the group with two other nurses and is desperate to ensure it continues: “We realised just how close to the edge we were when we looked at the accounts and saw only £600 available - about enough money for three months.

“Group members were shocked and worried they might have to close.”

The group costs £100 a meeting, which pays for refreshments, food and the services of massage and beauty therapists.

In the past the group has been helped through the Beer Walk fundraising, but since the original event ended over three years ago, CAN has survived using money donated by a former group member in her will.

Vera continued: “Everyone has stuck their hand in their own pocket to help as well as coming up with fundraising ideas — but we need something more to ensure it continues in the long-term.

“We would love anyone who could help to come forward and get involved with the group.

“It would mean so much to so many people.”

Upwards of 35 regularly attend the meetings and other activities including trips to Oldham Coliseum’s panto and the Blackpool Illuminations.

One member, Terri Brown (74), credits the group with “saving her life” after she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

Terri, who is now in remission, said: “When I was diagnosed I just felt so low. I didn’t know how I could carry on and everything looked bleak. But I started coming to the meetings and it made me realise how much better I had it than some people. It changed my outlook on everything.”