A group of chemotherapy nurses in Oldham have joined forces to fundraise for vital equipment that would make a world of difference to their patients.
Five nurses from the Victoria Unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital, where chemotherapy patients from across Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Bury go for treatment, have decided to hike a challenging circuit to raise money for equipment.
Setting off on April 22, nurses Rachael Tomkins, Jane Lees, Hannah Whittaker, Pamela Murphy and Nicki Holdsworth will be walking 11 miles via the Crompton Moor circuit, guided by Mountain Edge Trekking Adventures.
The team hopes to fundraise for a new double scalp cooling machine, which costs in the region of £22,000, including training and servicing costs.
These machines are used to help prevent hair loss during some types of chemotherapy and would help the team "go above and beyond for their patients".
The team currently have three scalp cooling machines which are now 10 years old and in need of replacement.
Rachael said: "The new machines would offer the latest technology to help prevent hair loss whilst undergoing some chemotherapy treatments.
"Our aim is to raise as much funds to go towards buying a new double scalp cooling machine.
"Hair loss is a devastating side effect of some chemotherapy treatments.
"The new machine would make a big difference, as it will hopefully help to minimise this unfortunate side effect."
At the time of writing, their fundraiser has amassed more than £700 to go towards the equipment.
Anyone is welcome to join them on their hike and donations can be made to the fundraiser on JustGiving.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here