Villages turned pink in October for a good cause

Littleborough, Milnrow, and Newhey went pink for the month of October, as local shops, schools, nurseries, and businesses displayed pink decorations to raise cancer awareness. Led by Kath and Andy O'Donnell and Littleborough’s Cancer Research UK group, The Three Amigos FUNdraising Group, the annual campaign encouraged residents to “go pink” and engage in fundraising efforts for cancer research.

The event, called "Little Pink Borough", marked its ninth year, supported by local sponsor Gladwins Bistro in Hare Hill Park, while "Milnrow Pink-Hey", now in its fourth year, received sponsorship from Future Proof Medical.

Organisers expressed gratitude for the support from local businesses and individuals, including Tracey Jacobs of All Things Scents and Suzanne Gumbley from Brian Gumbley Accountancy Services.

Organiser Kath O'Donnell told Rochdale Online News: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time and effort to support this campaign. Once again, our villages looked fantastic in pink, and the impact on awareness was immense.”

 

 

A key feature of the campaign was a competition for the best pink window display, with winners receiving a bespoke trophy that includes an engraved plaque bearing their name. Littleborough’s displays were judged by councillors Janet Emsley, John Taylor, Adam Branton, Richard Jackson, and Racheal Hodgkinson from Cancer Research UK.

In Milnrow and Newhey, councillor Irene Davidson and Racheal Hodgkinson from Cancer Research UK judged the windows.

This year, Layola Care Ltd in Littleborough won the award for best display, with a deeply personal exhibit featuring stories of local people affected by cancer, accompanied by their photographs.

One of the most moving stories came from a father who shared the memory of his daughter Kerry, who passed away from sarcoma at age 31.

Kerry's dad said: “The campaign allowed me the opportunity to raise awareness of sarcoma cancers as well as to share how inspiring Kerry was in coming to terms with her diagnosis.

“Her positivity continues to live within me, and that’s why I undertake my running challenge each week in memory of her to raise funds for Sarcoma UK.”

Layola Care Ltd also included a “post box to heaven” in their display, allowing people to write messages to loved ones.

The company, a new business in Littleborough, expressed gratitude for the warm community response. They said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a local event that demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting each other.

“We hope our display raised awareness and resonated with those who have been touched by cancer.”

Milnrow’s best display award went to BM Technologies, which joined the community in April. A representitive said: “BM Technologies is proud to announce our Milnrow Pink-Hey best display 2024 award for supporting Cancer Research UK.

“Our display was designed to be both eye-catching and informative, with materials on cancer prevention and health care for the community.”

 

 

In the centre of Littleborough, popular coffee shop Busy Beans put in extra effort this year, after owner Becky lost her friend of 15 years to cancer.

She said: “We've always taken part and raised awareness but this time felt different. We wanted to do something a bit different because Helen had just passed away, the cause being secondary breast cancer and I wanted to try and be sensitive to Holly.

“We all absolutely love Halloween and Helen used to throw the nest parties so we went with a Halloween theme.”

Following the success of the Littleborough and Milnrow campaign, Cancer Research UK is encouraging other towns across the UK to adopt similar awareness initiatives, inspired by Rochdale's local spirit and commitment.