Show your support for 'Cancer's Got Talent'

Reporter: Mark Rooney
Date published: 02 June 2023


A special charity event with a difference is set to take place at the Oldham Event Centre Boundary Park on Friday, August 11, to help raise money for NorthCare Charity, the official charity of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

The money raised will go towards funding new scalp cooling machines on the Victoria Unit of Royal Oldham Hospital.

The one-off show - entitled “Cancer’s Got Talent” - will provide an evening of music and comedy, with all the acts delivered by those with cancer, showcasing their own talent.

“The evening serves two purposes,” says co-organiser Julie Flanagan, a cancer patient herself, whose own band “Three Little Birds” will be opening the show together with band members Abigail Hoy and Jade Barker.

Julie’s brother’s band, called “Quaver Tooth”, will be on in the second half of the show with band members Jimmy Melia. Peter Wooding and carer Kevin Simpson forming part of the group.

“It will raise money for a worthy cause as we know how important the scalp cooling machines are to help hair loss during some kinds of chemotherapy, and additional facilities will help the team go above and beyond for their patients," added Julie.

“Secondly, by showcasing quality acts involving cancer patients themselves.

"It will demonstrate that once we are diagnosed, we carry on with our lives and live them to the fullest. “

The event will consist of a two-course dinner with entertainment, making a memorable and funny evening.

Tickets will cost £31 per head and under 16s need be accompanied by an adult.

There will also be an exciting raffle with lots of wonderful prizes, with all the proceeds going to NorthCare Charity.

The event will be hosted by Mark Rooney (above), who has been treated for Stage 4 bowel cancer over the past two years.

Jessica Pollard, Community Fundraising Manager for the NorthCare Charity, said: “Incorporating something you’re passionate about, like music or comedy, into your fundraising, is a great way to get the most out of the experience and encourage friends and family to join in too.

“We’re really looking forward to the event in August and wish Julie, Mark and the rest of the team the best of luck!”

Tickets are limited, and are available now on a first come, first served basis, here

Julie is also appealing to anyone who is experienced with performing and has cancer to contact her on: jbarker2010@hotmail.co.uk.

Ten-per-cent of the booking fee will be donated back to the charity by Ticketebo.

If you cannot attend the event but wish to make a donation, here is the link to the JustGiving page

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