Radiographer Julie will head new £17m centre

Julie Davies, from Saddleworth, who will head Oldham’s radiotherapy centre

THE Christie Hospital is recognised as a world-leader in cancer care, and the fact it is reaching out into Oldham will be a great boost for the borough.

It was in 1953 that the Christie got its first linear accelerator, or radiotherapy machine, which is believed to have been the first in the world to treat patients.

And it has kept that reputation for world-class expertise and equipment in the years since.
The Christie relies heavily on donations from the public to be able to carry out its work, not only in providing top-class treatment, but also in ground-breaking research in the fight against cancer.

Oldham’s new £17 million radiotherapy centre will help in that battle.

It is for that reason the Evening Chronicle joined ranks with the charity in an appeal to raise £100,000 towards the cost of two radiotherapy machines — which each cost £1.3 million.

The centre, which is under construction at the Royal Oldham Hospital, will contain the latest technology currently available in the UK.

It will be headed by lead radiographer Julie Davies, who has worked at the Christie for 20 years.

She is one of the UKs leading experts in image-guided radiotherapy, which allows the radiographer to precisely locate and deliver treatment.

She uses her expertise to more accurately target treatment, and consequently reduce side- effects. Julie, who lives in Saddleworth with her husband, Alan, runs training courses on image-guided radiotherapy in hospitals throughout the country. Its use is still limited both in the UK and worldwide, but Julie’s experience is second to none, having worked with it since the day it was introduced at the Christie, in 2003.

OLDHAM CHRONICLE — supporting the Christie Appeal
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.