Three inspiring women from Greater Manchester are taking part in a charity walk to thank the hospital that treated them and their loved ones.
Beth Brihi and Nicola Washbrook both from Stockport and Francesca Bentley from Whaley Bridge are all taking on The Christie Charity’s Night of Neon 5k walk at Salford Quays, to raise funds for The Christie hospital where they were all treated.
Taking place on Saturday 8 February and marking World Cancer Day, the dazzling event sees Salford Quays illuminated with a glowing display of neon colours.
Mum of two Beth, 40 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year and says: “I’m so grateful to have this amazing hospital available to me. My husband Yamine has been to every appointment with me – he’s been a knight in shining armour looking after us all through this. The treatment hasn’t been pleasant, and I still have a long way to go, but the staff are amazing, and have made the situation bearable for me and my family. They know my name and the names of my two kids Maya (7) and Zaki (5) and greet us like friends.
“The services we’ve been offered have eased our day-to-day life. These have included transport, home appointments, wigs, counselling and advice about managing side effects. They have a 24-hour hotline that you can call with any worries, and I have called them with everything from what turned out to be insect bites, to having no eyebrows. Everything would have been so much more difficult without The Christie. The research and progress that’s been made has been so important for me and for everyone else who follows.
“At The Night of Neon, I’d like to raise as much as I can to help support these services and provide other people with the peace of mind I’ve had. So along with a group of my nearest and dearest I’ll be walking 5k around Salford Quays in neon clothes, face paints and general silliness. It will be fun, but also a challenge for many of us still receiving treatment. We have kids, grandmas and everyone in between joining us, come rain or shine.”
Nicola Washbrook aged 56 is taking part in the event with a large team of her family and to raise awareness for prostate cancer as she explains: “Fifteen months ago our lives changed forever when my husband Simon was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He’s been incredibly brave and we’re so proud of him. He was offered a clinical trial at The Christie, then three months later his friend Ian was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. They’ve both been treated so well, and the care and compassion they’ve received from all the staff at The Christie is incredible – we cannot praise the staff enough. The treatment they’ve had is amazing and a lot of that is because people fundraise like us.”
Also putting on her dayglo clothing for the fundraising spectacle will be Francesca Bentley aged 37 who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 29 as she explains: “I had to go through some very invasive treatment and surgeries that have changed my life. The Christie was amazing support, not only for me, but my family while I was going through such a difficult time in my life. Now it’s my time to help give something back to this amazing charity with my lovely younger sister Caraby my side.”
Always a crowd favourite, this glow-in-the-dark adventure attracts nearly 1,000 eager participants who transform MediaCityUK into a radiant spectacle.
Hosted by broadcaster Wes Butters at the Lowry Plaza, the fun begins at 6:30pm, with the walk kicking off at 7:30pm, leading participants on a vibrant neon-themed route around the Quays.
Adding to the electric atmosphere there will be pre-walk entertainment, including a six-piece roaming band, face painting, and glitter art. Everyone is encouraged to flaunt their most colourful attire, accessories and neon costumes – from bright legwarmers to glowing tutus!
“The Night of Neon is a fantastic and colourful walk around The Lowry Plaza and MediaCityUK,” says Abbie Wick, sporting events officer at The Christie Charity. “It’s a lovely opportunity to round up friends, family, and work colleagues to have some fun and raise much-needed funds for cancer patients. As always, we want to say a big thank you to everybody taking part in this year’s walk and supporting The Christie. We hope everyone has a fabulous evening.”
For more details about the Night of Neon, go to:Night of Neon
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today (christie.nhs.uk) or ring 0161 446 3988.
