Charity Pink Promenade at Hollingworth Lake for breast cancer services

Charity Pink Promenade at Hollingworth Lake for breast cancer services

Local people of all ages are urged to put their best foot forward for a breast care unit which serves Rochdale patients.

Last year one dog and more than 50 people turned out to walk the 2.5 miles around Hollingworth Lake, raising £2,078.19 for the Link4Pink appeal which supports the Victoria Breast Unit.

The Victoria Breast Unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital opened in May 2007 and provides breast care investigation and diagnosis of a variety of conditions under one roof for Oldham and Rochdale patients. The money raised from the Pink Promenade will be ploughed back into facilities at the unit.

The Link4Pink appeal was created in 2008 to benefit patients attending the Victoria Breast Unit. Its first project was to raise money to build a £160,000 conservatory extension to the unit. In May 2011 following three years of successful fundraising by Link4Pink and with the support of the local community, the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which runs The Royal Oldham Hospital, opened the newly built facility.

Shelley Owen, charitable fundraising co-ordinator, said: “The Link4Pink Appeal, led by chairperson Helen Haigh, continues to raise much needed funds to support the work of the Victoria Breast Unit, and to enhance the facilities the unit is able to provide for breast care patients.

"Receiving overwhelming support from members of the public, the appeal has this year purchased various pieces of equipment including a mammography biopsy mobile chair, and funded renovation of the unit’s garden to provide an inviting, peaceful outdoor space where patients can sit.

“Support from members of the public through fundraising and donations makes a real difference to so many patients, for which we are truly grateful.

"I hope lots of people take part in the walk and collect sponsorship to support this very worthy cause.”

Registration for the walk is now open. Participants need to register and pay £10 per adult, £5 for under 16s or a £20 family registration fee which includes a Link4Pink t-shirt to wear on the walk and sponsorship forms.

Organisers want more fundraisers than ever to sign up for a leisurely walk around Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough on Sunday 18 September.

The walk starts at 2.00pm from Littleborough Rugby Union Football Club (participants will meet at 1.30pm).

For more information and a registration form contact charity@pat.nhs.uk or 0161 908 4497.