Feel-good factor!

WELL decked out . . . Oldham’s Mayor and Mayoress, David and Jean Jones (right) take a look at the new decking area with Link4Pink fundraisers (from left) chairman Rita Bottomley, Elaine Norcross, Christine Tilley, consultant breast surgeon Maria Bramley, Liz Norbury, Margaret Coleman, and Denise Bodgers

Breast care unit in good health
PINK power has transformed Oldham’s Victoria Breast Care Unit, after fundraisers raked in more than £178,000 for a conservatory extension.

Chronicle readers threw themselves behind the campaign after Royton reader Maureen Mills picked the Link4Pink name for the appeal when it was launched in July, 2008.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, David and Jean Jones, helped cut the ribbon to the new facility to mark the end of almost three years of dogged determination, which saw the plans for a modest conservatory re-written as their enthusiasm brought the pounds rolling in.

Committee chairman Rita Bottomley said: “What a great feeling to know we have done it. All the hard work has come together and everyone should feel very proud.

“When I was given the job as chairman of Link4Pink I didn’t know where to start, but I shouldn’t have worried. There were so many people who wanted to help.”

The original extension was set to cost £60,000, but, boosted by a £31,925 donation from former breast surgeon Ian McIntosh’s patient endowment fund, it soon became clear more ambitious plans could be afforded.

The final extension with a garden and decking, cost £160,000, and fundraising is still ongoing to support the unit.

Based at the Royal Oldham Hospital, the unit was struggling under the pressure of cramped conditions which often saw women having to stand queuing in corridors at a time of acute stress.

Consultant breast surgeon Maria Bramley wanted to improve the situation and headed an appeal to pay for a bright and airy conservatory where patients could wait, talk to each other, and help themselves to refreshments.

A delighted Miss Bramley said: “I must thank all the patients and their families, Oldham Chronicle readers, the community and local businesses for their support.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the Woman of Oldham committee for its year-long fundraising which made the outside decking area possible.”

Mrs Bottomley is due to stand down as chairman of Link4Pink, although she will remain a member of the committee. Liz Norbury will take over.




Fundraising for the Victoria Breast Care unit continues with a sponsored Pink Promenade walk around Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, at noon on Sunday, July 3.



Contact Tracey Knuckey on 0161-656 1704 to enter, at a cost of £10 which includes a T-shirt.