Press release posted 31 January 2025
Patients at The Christie hospital have created a range of artwork to mark this year’s World Cancer Day (Tuesday 4 February) celebrating the theme, ‘United by Unique’ which highlights that behind every cancer diagnosis there is a unique human story.
The patients will be hosting an art exhibition at The Oglesby Cancer Research Building in Withington to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening within The Christie hospital’s art room – the only one of its kind in a UK hospital.
Cancer can be physically devastating, but it is emotionally draining too. And it’s these ‘silent’ side-effects that are often overlooked. This is why the art room service at The Christie is so important. Many patients say that coping with the emotional effects of cancer, can be as hard — if not harder — than dealing with the physical effects of treatment.
Funded by The Christie Charity, the hospital’s art room has helped many patients cope with these side-effects. They may never have picked up a paintbrush before, but it is somewhere they can escape, process their experiences, find moments of solace and creativity, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Studies have shown that art therapy significantly improves emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and pain among cancer patients. It helps patients process their emotions, provides a distraction from physical discomfort, and boosts overall wellbeing.
One of the patients who has benefitted from The Christie’s art service, and who will be exhibiting his work as part of the ‘United by Unique’ exhibition, is Sam Elbeik from Congleton, Cheshire. He says: “The art room is an island of positivity and happiness. Laughter and smiles are abundant, stress evaporates, and you might even create a masterpiece. The impact on our mental health is immeasurable.”
Pat Mountford is the artist in residence at The Christie and the driving force behind The Christie’s successful art programme for patients, family members, carers and staff. Hundreds of patients use the art service every year and Pat has been running several drop-in sessions a week for the last 20 years. “Patients don’t need any prior artistic skills to benefit from this experience here at The Christie art room,” explains Pat. “It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about the therapeutic process.
“The art room is a place where patients can process their emotions in a safe, creative environment. Every stroke of a brush or pencil becomes part of their story, giving them a sense of control and expression during what can often feel like an overwhelming time. Witnessing the creativity of patients like Sam is truly inspiring.”

Visitors to the ‘United by Unique’ exhibition will not only have the opportunity to view the powerful artwork but also gain insight into the artists’ journeys and hear firsthand about the impact of the art room on their lives. The exhibition reflects the individuality of each person’s cancer journey while celebrating the strength and resilience of The Christie’s patients and staff.
Jen Kent, Community Fundraising Officer from The Christie Charity, said: “The art room is one of the vital services we’re proud to fund at The Christie. It provides patients with a therapeutic outlet to express themselves and find moments of peace during their treatment. It’s also an important resource for staff, helping them connect with patients in unique and meaningful ways. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, and exhibitions like United by Unique show just how vital this service truly is.”
The United by Unique exhibition runs from Monday 3 to Friday 28 February, from 9am to 4pm in the foyer of The Oglesby Cancer Research Building, 555 Wilmslow Road, Withington. All are welcome to drop in and view the artwork.
Artists participating in the exhibition are Ken Ashley, Christina Baimas, Julie Colville, Sam Elbeik, Paul King, Brenda Mallon, Madeleine Reid, Pat Roache, Nabila Sabir, Katie Seaton, Martina Street, Aeisha Timbers, and Denise Thornton.
The Christie art room is in department 12 at the Withington hospital site and runs sessions Monday 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Wednesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm and Thursday 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Sessions are open to patients, carers and staff on a drop-in basis — no previous art experience is necessary. Activities include drawing, painting, collage and craftwork. Classes are informal, fun, and relaxed.
The art room was recently refurbished and was part funded by proceeds from the Primrose Ball, hosted and organised by Girls Aloud in 2022 in memory of their bandmate Sarah Harding who was treated at The Christie.
For more information on how to support the art room, visit our art room appeal page.
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.