Cancer group marks 40 years

CELEBRATION was the order of the day for members of the Chadderton and Oldham Committee of Cancer Research UK, who celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Members enjoyed a celebration lunch at the Norton Grange Hotel, Rochdale, with guest speaker Graham Walker of the Grumbleweeds comedy group.

Richard Taylor, from Cancer Research UK, gave a short address before the long service awards were distributed.

Recipients included founder member Joan Mary Hobson, who achieved 40 years service, 29 of those as group chairman, and Carole Owen, with 37 years service and 23 of those as correspondence secretary.

The group was formed in 1969 and has so far raised £476,000 to support research work into cancer treatments.

This year, the committee is planning to reach the half a million pounds fundraising target since its formation.