When Julie Flanagan, member of local band ‘Three Little Birds’, found out she had breast cancer and had to have chemotherapy, she decided to take her guitar with her to play during the treatment, to pass time and feel more herself. She was given a cold cap treatment by the staff to maintain her long, thick hair. “Being able to look in the mirror and not look as ill as I feel because I still have my hair has made a huge difference psychologically, which is amazing.”
A cold cap is a hat that is worn during chemotherapy treatments, and its
cooling effect reduces blood flow to the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches this area and preventing hair loss. Cold caps are beyond the scope of standard NHS funding, meaning hospitals like Royal Oldham rely on charitable donations to purchase them. Inspired by the impact cold caps can make, Julie, and Mark Rooney, who has been treated for Stage 4 bowel cancer over the past few years, came together to host a talent show at the Blue Tiffin Restaurant in Oldham. The event, which took place in August 2023, saw Julie’s band, her brother’s band ‘Quaver Tooth’ and many more local musicians perform throughout the evening, raising vital funds for a new cold machine for patients at Royal Oldham Hospital.
An incredible £7,086.95 was raised which, along with other fundraising from the Chemotherapy team and Northern Care Alliance colleagues, enabled the hospital to purchase another dual Paxman scalp cooling machine, allowing more patients to receive this treatment and improving their care.
“It’s fantastic to see the equipment was bought with the money we raised, and it’s already in use and making a difference”, said Julie.
“A massive thank you to everyone who donated and the team of people that supported the event, it could not have been done without you and the time and effort you put in!”
Mark Rooney shared, “It was a great pleasure to organise the event with Julie, not only as a distraction from our own treatments but to be able to give something back to the NHS knowing it would make a real difference to individual patients in the future.”
Jane Lees, Macmillan Lead Chemotherapy Nurse at Royal Oldham Hospital, said: “As I’m sure most of us can imagine, a cancer diagnosis can set us on a life-changing journey that can affect every aspect of life. For many of us our hair forms part of our identity and to lose it can not only effect how we see ourselves but is also a visible reminder of cancer.
“The new cold cap machine offers improved comfort and fit for our patients undergoing scalp cooling alongside their chemotherapy. The team would like to thank everyone that contributed or got involved with our fundraising!”
Jess Pollard, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Julie and Mark’s determination and passion to support our charity and Royal Oldham Hospital in this way is truly inspiring! Despite going through treatment themselves, they put their all into making their fundraising event a success to give more patients in their community the chance to receive this care that goes above and beyond the NHS.”