Michelle from Norden was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023. She was referred to The Christie at Oldham for radiotherapy, because it was closer to her home than the main Christie site in Withington.
The radiotherapy treatment made Michelle feel very fatigued, so she was grateful to be able to receive treatment and care in Oldham rather than having to travel to Manchester. Michelle is now in remission and works part-time as a hypnotherapist.
The Christie at Oldham radiotherapy centre opened in 2010, with donations from Christie Charity supporters helping to fund the £17 million centre. As well as funding the build of the centre, Christie Charity supporters also fund enhanced services at The Christie at Oldham, over and above what the NHS can fund.
One of these enhanced support services at The Christie at Oldham is drop-in art classes. These give patients the chance to explore creativity and meet people who are going through a similar experience.
Michelle was the first person to attend the new art sessions at Oldham. She said they felt like a safe space to go when she was feeling so isolated and different due to cancer, as many cancer patients do.
“The thing that really stood out to me at The Christie is how they treat you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. The medical care is top-notch, but things like the art classes also make a big difference during what can be a difficult and lonely time.
