Willing volunteers desperate for help

Jacky Plant, Christie fund-raising officer (second right), joined by Lilian Walsh (centre) and her team as they raise a glass to continued success. Pictured (clockwise, from front right) Terry Dean, Pete Snow, Rodney Taylor, Debbie Walker and Tracy Burns.

CHARITY stalwarts from the Christie Hospital’s Oldham and Rochdale fund-raising team are desperate for new members.

The six-strong team has thrown itself into raising money for the £100,000 Christie’s at Oldham appeal, but is struggling to keep up with never-ending demands as their numbers dwindle.

Eighty-one year old chairman Lilian Walsh founded the group 14 years ago after a friend died of cancer.

Her unstinting enthusiasm helped her to gather 23 fellow fund-raisers to aid the group at the height of its activity.

But her advancing years have forced her to be slightly less active, and membership is now down to a handful of committed charity-workers.

Lilian, however, hopes the launch of the Christie’s at Oldham campaign will inspire people with a passion to help to join her team.

The group has a phenomenal record of fund-raising and brought in £45,000 last year alone.

But it faces a tough target this year, and needs all the help it can get.

Oldham’s £17 million radiotherapy centre will be up and running in 2010, and will be home to two £1.3 million radiotherapy machines and other high-tech equipment, Christie doctors, specialist radiographers, nurses and other medical experts who will between them give radiotherapy treatment to 70 people each day.

Jacky Plant, the Christie’s fund-raising officer for Oldham, said: “Getting involved in fund-raising for the Christie is a great way to meet new people and have fun, while raising money for a fantastic new local facility.”

Anyone interested in joining the Oldham and Rochdale fund-raising team should contact Jacky on 0161-446 3984.