Cancer support group appeals for Christmas party donations

CANCER care staff and patients at Hinchingbrooke Hospital are once again appealing to the generosity of Hunts Post readers for a dose of Christmas spirit.

When thieves broke into the centre last year to steal Christmas raffle prizes, our readers rode to the rescue, donating thousands of pounds worth of gifts to make sure staff and patients were able to enjoy a festive party.

Staff in the primary breast cancer support group hope to make this year’s party just as memorable, and are asking for donations to make sure all the group’s patients can celebrate together on Wednesday, December 8.

Nurse Lorraine Walker, who is organising the event with Woodlands centre manager Lynda Hall, said that the response from readers last year had been a real lift to staff and patients.

“The wonderful people of Huntingdon were most generous last year, and this meant that the ladies didn’t have to pay for the dinner,” she said.

“The event is an enormous psychological boost for our patients and it means that, at a time of year when people don’t always put themselves first, everyone has a chance to attend, even those that may not be able to afford it.”

The support group has grown over the past year, with up to 25 expected at the party.

Mrs Walker added: “Whether it is a bottle of wine for the raffle, or a donation towards hosting the party, it can make a huge difference. The more we are able to raise, the less the patients will have to pay and the better a party we can put on.

“We were so overwhelmed at people’s generosity last year, and we hope they will help us again this year.”

INFORMATION: Donations suitable for the raffle can be left at The Hunts Post office, 30 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TB, and should be clearly marked “Woodlands Christmas Appeal”.