Macclesfield: A scientist is taking on the gruelling challenge of the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for The Christie's Macclesfield appeal in memory of two former colleagues.

Alex Abbott, who works at AstraZeneca, is taking part in April's marathon in memory of Helen Williams and Jacqui Edwards.

Both women were treated at The Christie cancer centre in Manchester.

The pharmaceutical scientist, who lives in Macclesfield, is raising funds for the newly opened £26m Christie at Macclesfield centre which was funded by the charity.

Alex, 27, said: "I was inspired by seeing so many of my colleagues get involved in fundraising for The Christie at Macclesfield last year and I knew I had to do something in 2022 in memory of Helen and Jacqui.

"Having lost two colleagues to cancer, it seems fitting that I am able to help raise money for the new centre here in Macclesfield in their memory.

"I do enjoy running regularly, however a marathon is further than I have ever run before, but I am looking forward to donning my blue shirt for The Christie and taking on this new challenge."

The new £26 million cancer centre opened on December 13 2021, surviving construction delays brought upon by COVID.

It treated its first chemotherapy patients that day.

With February marking the radiotherapy service now treating patients, the centre is fully open and will provide 46,000 patient appointments and visits each year and provide care closer to home for more than 1,500 patients a year.

In addition to 12,500 radiotherapy appointments and 6,800 chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal treatments, The Christie at Macclesfield will offer a range of holistic services.

This will include haematology treatments, outpatient care, nurse led clinics, counselling services, an information centre, palliative care and a wider range of clinical trials.

The centre also has a CT scanner where treatments are planned, complementary therapy rooms and a charity centre.

Funded through £23m from The Christie charity, this new centre will transform cancer care, treating patients from Cheshire, the High Peak, and parts of North Staffordshire for the most common cancers like breast, bowel, lung and prostate.

Patients with rare and complex cancers will continue to be treated at The Christie in Withington.

Josh Hughff, sporting events officer at The Christie charity, said: "The marathon is a really tough event and we're delighted that Alex has decided to take part in it for the charity and it is very fitting for him to do so in memory of his colleagues.

"We'll be wishing him and every other runner the best of luck with their training and we'll be there on the day to cheer them over the finish line. Go Alex!"

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services.

Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.

To find out more about how you can donate to The Christie and to see what other events they have lined up this year, please click here to access the fundraise for The Christie charity webpage.

AstraZeneca Macclesfield is located on charter way. While Alex Abbott is an individual - his employers have also supported similar good causes in recent times.

Last month they gave £20,000 to Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice. Please click here to read that article.

See Also: Macclesfield: New tree at Macclesfield Hospital planted by Mayor commends NHS staff

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