Christie helpers in appeal for new blood

NEW appeal... fundraisers from Oldham Women’s Trust Fund (from the left) Lynn Glynn, Pat James, Alice Skelton, Beryl Prendergast (secretary), Janet Boyes, Anita Aspinall, Rita Pogson (treasurer) and Jean Fleet

Trust in us and join up, plead fundraisers
A GROUP of women who have made their mark at The Christie Hospital are appealing for help from younger supporters.

The Oldham Women’s Trust Fund has this month handed over £24,000 to the world-famous cancer hospital.

It is the latest instalment in a vast amount of money raised through regular events such as coffee mornings and afternoon teas, collecting at stores and holding lucky dips and tombolas for items donated by local shops and companies.

The organisation has donated £189,000 since the year 2000, and an incredible £685,000 since it was founded in 1944.

But members are getting older and they are desperate for some new blood to give the organisation a much-needed boost.

Retired hairdresser Janet Boyes became involved with the Women’s Trust Fund 10 years ago.

And she said it was a great way to make friends and keep busy after finishing work, as well as doing some good.

“We do a valuable job and we are very proud of what we have achieved,” she said.

Besides making regular donations which help to fund clinical research at The Christie, the organisation banded together with other Women’s Trust Funds across the region to fund a £100,000 private room at the hospital.

It means some patients who face a range of tests and treatment can stay instead of making tiring daily journeys to the hospital, and there is an extra bed for a relative to stay with them.

It is also used for very poorly patients who would otherwise have to travel around the hospital to different departments for tests.

The room is equipped with much of the machinery needed to carry out the tests, much of it courtesy of the Women’s Trust Fund.

The Oldham group meets every four to six weeks, and members visit The Christie where they are taken on tours, have talks from experts, and told what equipment is needed next.

“It’s very interesting, and I was just blown away to see it all,” said Janet.

“I am passionate about it, I just love being involved. I make cards and posters and try to make money any way I can, even if it’s only £5 — we all do.

“It’s a great way to spend time for people who are retired or who have any spare time to give.

“I have supported the Oldham Women’s Trust Fund for 40 years, and when I retired I wanted to do something more to help.

“I have made a lot of friends through it, and it’s so worthwhile.”

Anyone interested in joining Oldham Women’s Trust Fund can contact treasurer, Rita Pogson, on 07967-780 155.