Blackpool singing star Linda Nolan so delighted to cut ribbon on new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre on Fylde coast

Blackpool singing star Linda Nolan gave her support to a new Macmillan cancer support centre on the Fylde coast by officially cutting the ribbon.
By Richard Hunt
Published 19th Apr 2023, 15:53 BST
Updated 19th Apr 2023, 15:56 BST
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The new information and support centre is based at the Fleetwood Community Hub, in the former Fleetwood Hospital building on Bold Street, and has been hailed as a vital amenity for cancer patients and their loved ones.

With a similar Macmillan centre already operating at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the new centre will serve patients in Wyre.

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Linda, 64, has endured her own experience with the disease, being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and then having to endure chemotherapy as the condition spread.

Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. She is pictured with Macmillan officer Julie Summers and manager Helen Bright.Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. She is pictured with Macmillan officer Julie Summers and manager Helen Bright.
Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. She is pictured with Macmillan officer Julie Summers and manager Helen Bright.

Earlier this year the singer, a member of famous family music group the Nolan Sisters, announced it had spread to her brain and she was undergoing radio therapy.

Other family members have been affected by cancer too, with sister Anne going through her own cancer battle, while Bernie tragically died in 2013, aged just 52, after a brave three year battle with the disease.

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Like its Blackpool counterpart, which has already supported Linda, the new Fleetwood centre will offer a range of practical, emotional and financial support to cancer patients and their families.

Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. The team from Blackpool Macmillan.Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. The team from Blackpool Macmillan.
Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital. The team from Blackpool Macmillan.
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Linda said: “I was obviously delighted to be able to open this centre.

"Financially the service has been a Godsend, it’s a hard enough time as it is, so to have that support is amazing.

"You’re going through the worst time of your life, you can’t work because you’re sick, so you’re trying to sort out benefits, you have debts – how are you going to live?

"All that seems insurmountable and then someone says they can help you.

Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood HospitalLinda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital
Linda Nolan opens the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Fleetwood Hospital
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"I wouldn’t have survived without it so I’m thrilled to be able to open this one – and get my name on a plaque on the wall!”

The centre has been set up by Macmillan in partnership with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with support from leisure and shopping outlet Affinity, Fleetwood Trust, Healthier Fleetwood and the local branch of the charity Hug in a Bag.

Helen Bright, Macmillan’s cancer information and support service manager, said: “Our aim is to ensure that anyone affected by cancer across Wyre, including their family and carers, will have access to all the right information and support they need.”

Related topics:FyldeBlackpool