Caroline's Blog
His father would have been very proud
Posted
September 26th 2011
Even when there's a strong case to do something at The Christie, we sometimes can't proceed without the additional support of people from outside the organisation.
A few years ago we knew we needed to expand our surgical theatres capacity, in order to undertake more surgery for complex and rare cancers. But, as is well publicised, the costs for cancer treatment can be significant. Especially when you're undertaking some of the most specialist surgery in the country for patients from across the UK. This expert treatment needs the very best surgeons, state-of-the-art theatres and cutting-edge equipment.
This week we proudly stood in our two new theatres for our official opening and were delighted to say some very big thank-you's.
These heartfelt thanks were for the Kilroe family, Billy and Natasha McCarthy, Barry Bernstein and many others who raised significant funds to help built the £6 million theatres. The Kilroe family and their supporters raised the money through the ‘Light for Christie’s’ appeal in memory and honour of Tim Kilroe who was a patient here.
It's the complexity and specialty of what takes place here in terms of surgery that makes us a national leader. We are one of only two hospitals in the UK, for example, to treat patients who have pseudomyxoma - a very rare form of cancer which affects only one in a million people. Our surgical robot, which will be used in the new theatres, is the only one in the North West and uses the most advanced technology to perform keyhole surgery.
This generous support is helping to save lives. And as John Kilroe said at the official opening, his father would have been very proud.
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They say laughter is the best medicine.
Posted
September 19th 2011
In Peter Kay’s case this medicine is helping to save lives.
The Bolton-born funny man has just announced he will donate all the proceeds of the last show of his successful ‘The Tour That Doesn’t Tour’ on Sunday 22nd October to our charity. The tour is officially the biggest and fastest selling stand-up comedy tour in the world with a record breaking more than 1.2 million tickets sold.
In interviews about his reasons for this incredibly generous gesture, the world famous comedian said that The Christie has touched the lives of many families in our region, and he thought it would be fitting for him to donate the proceeds of the final show to such a great charity.
Thank you Peter. Your show on the night at the MEN Arena will not only lift the sprits of the many thousands of people in the audience - but the many thousands of people suffering from cancer. Every laugh will help a life.
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A helping hand from fashion.
Posted
September 12th 2011
International designer Jeff Banks visited
The Christie this morning to the launch the People's Catwalk at the
Trafford Centre this coming weekend.
The People's Catwalk, where anyone can strut down a professional
catwalk in front of photographers, family, friends and shoppers, is
in aid of our charity and being hosted by Jeff Banks.
It's another great example of very different industries coming
together, with a huge injection of fun involved, to help those in
need. If you can support a worthy cause, and enjoy a unique
or special activity whilst you're doing it then, then that's an
important added bonus. That's what fundraising should be about, but
never forgetting the serious and life-saving end result and the
impact and difference that your participation is making.
Whilst at The Christie, Jeff met our volunteers who provide
those hugely valued extra services for patients. Not the services
that 'save their life', but the services that make a huge
difference to patients whilst they go through the most traumatic
time of their lives. The wig and headscarf service for women
who have lost their hair through chemotherapy treatment - a
harrowing experience that can leave some feeling truly wretched and
in despair. The Look Good…Feel Better service that provides
beauty and make-up treatments for women when they feel at their
least beautiful with their body ravaged with drugs. The art
therapy classes where patients can express their fear, anger,
confusion and hopes through painting.
All hugely valuable and all hugely valued.
A helping hand in every way.
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Our own walk of hope
Posted
September 5th 2011
Hundreds of people walked 10 kilometres through
the beautiful grounds of Tatton Park on Saturday.
People from all walks of life, all ages and all parts of the
North West who came together in memory of loved ones who have
tragically lost their battle with cancer - but also in thanks of
the advanced treatments that helped them and family members survive
this terrible disease. Our emotional Walk of Hope is an annual
fundraising event which began with the launch of doves of peace and
included a commemorative pebble-throwing ceremony at Tatton Mere
and moving candle lit vigil.
Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor and former Christie
patient also took part. Sally has been a strong supporter of
The Christie since being treated for breast cancer in 2009. None of
us can forget the shock of Sally's life paralleling that of her
character's when she discovered a lump as she was filming scenes of
Sally Webster's own diagnosis. She completed the walk with her
family and has said that being diagnosed with breast cancer was
emotionally and physically draining, and was without doubt the
hardest thing she ever had to deal with. Every time she now
thinks about how she beat cancer, she describes feeling incredibly
inspired and thankful. The walk gave Sally and her family an
opportunity to quietly reflect on this in a positive and uplifting
way.
Not everyone survives, but every step of the 10 kilometre route
is an indication of the steps we are making in cancer advances.
Our own walk of hope.
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