I’m with you all the way, says TV star

Suranne Jones . . . message of support

Your Chronicle — backing the £100,000 Christie appeal

SUPPORT for the Christie At Oldham Campaign is mounting as people across the borough turn into fund-raisers in aid of an appeal which will save lives.

The world-famous Christie Hospital has laid down a challenge for Oldhamers to raise £100,000 to help equip the £17 million radiotherapy centre due to open at the Royal Oldham Hospital next year.

The unit will be staffed by cancer experts who will provide radiotherapy treatment to 1,200 people every year who would otherwise have to travel to the Christie from Oldham and surrounding areas.

The centre will house two £1.3 million linear accelerators which will be used to give radiotherapy treatment to 70 patients every day, and it is towards the cost of those that the appeal was launched.

Oldham-born actress Suranne Jones was among the first to give her support to the appeal, and sent the message: “Good luck with this campaign, I am one hundred per cent behind it.”

The 30-year-old shot to fame when she played feisty factory worker Karen McDonald, wife of Steve, for four years in ITV’s “Coronation Street”.

The former barmaid at The Red Barn, Chadderton, was quick to give her support to the Christie at Oldham Campaign, which was launched earlier this month.

She said: “My mum, Jenny, had to travel from Chadderton when she was diagnosed 10 years ago, so I know what having this centre truly means.”


Cafe owner serves up a tasty treat

A cafe owner from Royton is offering a tasty prize as she raises money for the Christie Hospital and a youth music project.

Michelle Buxton, owner of Shelly B’s cafe in Drake Street, Rochdale, is still recovering from the death of her son Steven (28) last year after an accidental overdose, and caring for her brother Paul (42), who is being treated at the Christie and North Manchester General hospitals, after cancer was diagnosed.

Now Michelle has organised a raffle among customers, and the draw will be on April 6, when the lucky winner will get a slap up full English breakfast and bottle of whisky.

Both charities are close to her heart, she said.

The Backdoor Music Project in Rochdale helps young people who might be at risk by diverting them into music and performance.

Her son, Ryan, is a director there, while her daughter, Kirstie, is a steward.


TO get help or advice in setting up a fund-raising event, contact the appeals office on 0161-446 3988, visit www.christies.org or text OLDHAM CHRISTIE followed by your name and address to 07971-456824 to receive a fund-raising pack. The pack will have details on how to make sure your money goes to the Christie At Oldham Appeal. Cheques should be made payable to The Christie (Oldham Evening Chronicle). If sending cash, enclose a covering letter to say it is for the Christie At Oldham campaign.