Coronation Street star gives myeloma charity supporters celebrity send off

North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group logo

Coronation Street actor Sam Aston who plays Chesney on the show, will wave off members of the North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group as they embark on a mile-long walk through the Alkrington Woods as part of Myeloma Awareness Week.

Sam, who was born in Bacup, will join the group of up to 50 supporters as they set off on Sunday 24 June at 3.00pm. This will be the 5th annual walk conducted by the Group to raise awareness of myeloma.

Myeloma Awareness Week takes place each year between 21 – 28 June and is an initiative of the charity Myeloma UK. The week aims to raise awareness of myeloma; a debilitating cancer of the plasma cells affecting between 15,000 - 20,000 people across the country.

The supporters are all members and friends of the North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group and have all been affected by myeloma in some way. Many either have myeloma themselves or are a family member or carer for someone who does.

Wearing the signature bright orange colour of Myeloma UK, the Group will walk a mile through Alkrington Woods in Middleton, rounding-off the event with a picnic.

Joan Smith, secretary of the North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group and organiser of the walk said: “It’s a real treat to have Sam sending us off on our walk through the Alkrington Woods and raising awareness of myeloma. It’s very important to us to inform as many people as possible about this cancer and ensure anyone who is diagnosed is aware of the services available to them. This includes our Support Group and the freephone Myeloma Infoline that is provided by Myeloma UK. The Infoline really is a lifeline, especially at the time of diagnosis when there are so many questions.”

Sam Aston, who plays Chesney on Coronation Street said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to wave off the members of the North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group and their friends. Apparently, in a recent survey 97% of the general public had no idea what myeloma was, so it’s great to be part of something that will increase public awareness and help ensure people diagnosed with myeloma don’t feel isolated.”

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma. It has a broad and innovative range of services, which cover every aspect of myeloma, from information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care.

The North Manchester and Bury Myeloma Support Group was established in February 2007. The Group aims to establish networks for myeloma patients, their families and carers. The Group aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of myeloma by receiving talks and demonstrations on topics of relevance and interest.