Lunch invitation from Christie fund-raiser

IF you fancy a spot of lunch in a tranquil garden, make a date at the Christie radiotherapy centre.

The new unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital is throwing open its courtyard garden for a fund-raising ladies’ lunch on Saturday.

The idea is that of retired nurse Irene Thornton, who rose to the charity’s challenge when it named June as ladies’ lunch month.

She decided to host a garden party, with the blessing of the unit’s managers, and roped in caterers from the hospital to lay on a spread.

Irene (69), who spent 35 years working in Oldham as a nurse, midwife and then a health visitor, is now appealing for women to join the lunch and make it a success.

She already has the support of her daughters, Sally Thornton, a medical receptionist at the radiotherapy unit, and Alison Kempster, a midwife at the Royal Oldham.

She decided to run the event for the cause because of its positive slogan: “Towards a future without cancer.” She said: “It’s a very positive message, and when I saw a flyer about the ladies’ lunches I thought it was a brilliant idea.”

Irene’s mother successfully battled pelvic cancer, her cousin is waiting for the five-year all clear after being treated for cancer, and her aunt died after falling victim to blood cancer.

“We have all got family or friends who have had or got cancer, it affects everybody, and I was so pleased Christie built a radiotherapy unit in Oldham that I wanted to do something to help,” she said.

Irene has decided not to sell tickets, but to rely on supporters popping in on Saturday (noon-2pm).

The garden can hold up to 200 people, and the cost is £10, with half going to the charity, and half paying for the cost of the food. The lunch will move indoors if it rains.

A jewellery sale on the day will give 10 per cent of proceeds to the charity.