A FAMILY whose youngest daughter was diagnosed with cancer turned her treatment into uplifting fundraiser in support of The Christie.

The Milligan family from Grasscroft were so impressed with the treatment and professionalism of surgeons at the renowned Manchester unit they decided to put their collective efforts into supporting their inspirational work.

Mother-of-two Julie Stanley, 50, a stenographer at Royal Oldham Hospital, was diagnosed with cancer in September last year and treatment at The Christie culminated in her undergoing surgery last month.

Her mother Joyce Milligan said: “Obviously, it was a big shock to all our family and friends. But we have all been impressed by her treatment and the professionalism of the surgeons and staff at The Christie.

“So much so that her elder sister, Michelle Royle, 52, decided she would take time out of her busy schedule as head of student services at Oldham College and run 50 miles in the month of March to raise funds for the hospital.

“And not to be outdone, their father, Alan Milligan,76, said he would walk 100 miles during March too.

“We thought we could raise perhaps £1000, if we were lucky,” said Joyce. “But between them they have, to date, raised more than £7,500 and would like to thank all the wonderful people who have donated to this worthy cause.

“In fact, Michelle has run nearly 70 miles and Alan has walked 130 miles including huge ascents - there are no flat walks in Saddleworth.

Initially the Milligans sent a JustGiving link to their neighbourhood WhatsApp group and were amazed at the quick response and the amount of money given.

“ We extended the link to our friends, work colleagues and former business associates. Both have exceeded their target in miles and funds raised,” Joyce added,

And The Christie has described Mr Milligan as a hero and in the one percent of top 1000 fund raisers during March.

You can donate to their JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Norman-Milligan?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Norman-Milligan&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=210c7506944947d0844ced6b16520656.

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