Alan much more than a new name

New manager: Alan Vickers

Oldham Cancer Support Centre has appointed a new centre manager — and his first task is to come up with a fresh new name for the facility — with your help.

Alan Vickers is asking Chronicle readers to think of a new title with a more “imaginative and tranquil” air about it for the Failsworth-based facility, which provides support for countless cancer sufferers and their families.

A prize for the winner has been generously donated by The Whitegate Inn, Chadderton, which is dishing out a lunch for four to the value of £100.

Mr Vickers (67) is a Failsworth resident with bags of experience within local charities.

He will share his dedication between the centre, at the Failsworth Primary Care Resource Centre, and Heathbank Support Services, which helps people with disabilities.

He said: “I have been involved with the centre since its inception five years ago.

“My late wife Carol was one of the centre’s founder members and I was chairman of the board of trustees from August, 2010, to May, 2011.

“The centre is so important and helps so many people through cancer, which affects nearly everyone in some way, at some point in their lives.”

A form of cancer will hit one in three of us in our lifetime, be it ourselves or someone dear to us, causing chaos in our lives.

This is where Oldham Cancer Support Centre comes in. It offers advice, information and support in the form of therapists (reflexology, reiki or other massages), counsellors, monthly patients’ groups, carers’ groups — or simply a place for a chat.

With Alan coming in as manager — their pamper sessions are hoping to return, which includes therapies plus beauty treatments and a light lunch.

Before 2006, a group of cancer sufferers united together and formed the centre, because there was no support for people during and after treatment.

Chairman of the Centre Trustees, Beryl Vale, revealed the charity has gone from strength to strength ever since but more volunteers are needed.

“The centre is like an oasis for people who are affected by cancer and demand is growing.

“With this increasing demand we are always looking for new people who might be able to give a few hours a week to spare.

“We are hoping to set up a fundraising committee in the future so if anyone wants to help us, we would be very grateful.

“The people of Oldham have been incredible in raising money so that we can continue to offer cancer sufferers a good level of service.”


::The centre is hosting an autumn fair at Broadbent Luncheon Club, Lord Street, Failsworth, on Thursday, September 29, from 10am.


::Enter the competition by emailing your entry to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk.