Rochdale golfers urged to pitch in for Link for Pink Appeal

Golf captains John Bodgers and Maureen Nicholls, wearing a hint of pink, are pictured with Jan Bolton (centre), Pennine Acute Trust’s fundraising manager.

Rochdale golfers are being urged to swing into action and help to keep a hospital appeal on course to reach its fundraising target.

Manchester Golf Club in Rochdale Road, Middleton, is putting on a Golf Charity Day on Thursday 21 August in aid of the newly-named Link for Pink Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £60,000 to build an extension to The Royal Oldham Hospital’s Victoria Breast Care Unit, which treats patients from Oldham and Rochdale.

Julie Smith, breast services manager at Pennine Acute Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “The Victoria Breast Care Unit opened last year and it provides a comprehensive range of services including breast care investigation and diagnosis of a range of conditions.

“The unit provides very modern outpatient facilities but we would like to extend these by building a conservatory. This would provide a spacious and comfortable waiting area for patients undergoing lengthy tests.”

A number of fundraising events have already raised more than £10,000 for the appeal. These have included a sponsored Pink Promenade around Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, a ladies’ luncheon and fashion show at the White Hart, Lydgate, Saddleworth, and a charity football tournament in Heywood.

The captains of Manchester Golf Club, John Bodgers and Maureen Nicholls, have also pledged their support during their term of office. They have already raised £1,500 for the appeal through a variety of fundraising events.

Mrs Nicholls said: “We do a lot of fundraising work for charity and we are delighted to support this very worthy appeal. Breast cancer does not only affect women, it affects men too, so that’s why we are holding a joint event.”

Mr Bodgers said: “We have held charity golf days in the past and they have always proved very popular events. The course is in fantastic condition and anyone who would like to test themselves on it is more than welcome.”

Places are still available and entry is £140 for a team of four, which includes an evening meal and entertainment. The teams can be a combination of men and women, and players are encouraged to wear a hint of pink.

Non-golfers are welcome to attend for the meal and entertainment at £20 a head. To book places, contact Rita Bottomley on 0161 626 6935.

Jan Bolton, fundraising manager for the hospital’s charity, said: “We are very grateful to Manchester Golf Club for raising funds for our new appeal. There are also opportunities for local shops and businesses to pledge support by sponsoring a hole or providing a raffle prize.”

Potential sponsors for the golf day should contact Rita on the number above.

Anyone who would like further information about supporting the Link for Pink Appeal can contact Jan:

Telephone: 0161 908 4497

Email: charity@pat.nhs.uk