Bev driven by loss of her friend

A WOMAN who pledged to help a cancer charity after the death of a close friend has turned into a tireless fund-raiser for the cause.

Passion for the work Oldham Cancer Support Centre carries out means Bev Heap spends almost every waking hour promoting its message.

Her enthusiasm and commitment which galvanises all she comes into contact with, has resulted in her being nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Bev was devastated when her friend, Catherine Hanson, was diagnosed with cancer.

She used her skills as a complementary therapist to help her friend right to the end, and it was that experience which prompted her to train with the Christie Hospital so she could work specifically with people who have cancer.

Bev offered those skills as a volunteer with Oldham Cancer Support Centre, where she discovered a natural talent for fund-raising, which was quickly spotted and fostered by the charity’s founder Chris Hoyle.

Bev juggled voluntary therapy with fund-raising and her own job, until April this year, when the charity was able to pay her for 21 hours a week as an official fund-raiser.

Bev donates many more hours each week to the cause, and said: “It’s not just a job for me — it’s much more than that. It’s taken over my life.”

She added: “I don’t have time to give therapies any more — I spend every minute fund-raising.

“I really miss it and hope to be able to go back some day, but at the moment my time is more constructive used for fund-raising.”

Another inspiration behind Bev’s passion for the work the charity does for people with cancer came from Greenfield poet Jaynie Huxley.

Bev first met Jaynie when she went to Oldham Cancer Support Centre for help. Bev helped Jaynie by giving her reflexology, and the pair became friends.

Jaynie died in June, just two days short of her 47th birthday, and Bev said knowing her had changed her life.

She said: “She completely changed my outlook. She knew her time was limited and she lived every single day to the full.

“I try to do that myself now and make the most of each day.

“Jaynie made me realise I can make a difference, I believe in what I do, I am totally and absolutely focused, and I know I can make the centre run on fund-raising.”

Bev was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by Joan Stott, for her “dedication to fund-raising and her caring personality”.

When told of the nomination, Bev said: “I’m shocked. It’s not something I expected, I am just doing a job I love.”