An Astley Bridge nursery has given back to a hospital specialising in cancer treatment to say thank you for the care and treatment provided to staff members.

Jackie Nairn who runs Seymour Road Nursery says that after the support some staff received at The Christies Hospital, they decided to organise a fundraiser.

The children's nursery raised £835, and all together, as part of the Christie Challenge, staff managed to raise £2,871.

They raised the money through holding a summer fair with plenty of stalls, and raffles set up, along with lots of activities.

Jackie said: “We are trying to do something positive to help the hospital which has been amazing and unfortunately most people will know someone who will receive treatment there at some point in their lives. 

“The money also goes towards research and new trials etc.”

The Bolton News: Nursery children proudly holding up pieces of Christie jigsawNursery children proudly holding up pieces of Christie jigsaw (Image: Public)

Staff at the nursery have also said that this has helped them turn some negatives into positives.

To be able to do the Christie Challenge people are asked to complete six different fundraising activities over the year.

These can range from a sponsored run, a bake sale or through hosting an online quiz night.

At the end of this those organising it can earn a complete jigsaw medal featuring the rainbow Christie embrace.

The staff started taking on the Christie Challenge during Christmas last year, and have just two more activities to complete, before receiving the rest of the pieces to their jigsaw.

Jackie added: “We have four pieces of the jigsaw.

“We have two [fundraising activities] to do before Christmas.

“We are thinking of a sponsored walk for the staff and children and a quiz night for staff, parents and local the community.”

Last year businesses and staff helped raise £1,050, which was donated to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in south Manchester.

In 2020, Jackie and her team raised money for defibrillators that could service the whole of the Astley Bridge community.

The Christie is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe and treat an estimated 60,000 patients a year.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.