RAY BRADLEY - MACMILLAN CANCER CARE

Copy of my article in the Derbyshire Times.

An eighty-year-old volunteer from Dronfield is leading the way in the campaign to build a cancer treatment centre. 

Ray Bradley, has been volunteering for Macmillan Cancer Support in Chesterfield for more than 24 years, but was re-energised by plans for the £2.5 million development at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital. 

Ray said: “The difference it will make is unbelievable. It will save people from having to go to Sheffield for treatment. 

"Everything from Chemotherapy to counselling will be done under the one roof.” 

Ray worked for BT for over 30 years and decided to become a volunteer when he retired after seeing an appeal in a local newspaper - despite having had his hands full as a grandfather-of-five. 

He said: “To use the old cliché, I wanted to put something back into society - I had a good life up and until then and wanted to help others, the opportunity was perfect!” 

With more than 1500 people in the north and the north east Derbyshire are diagnosed with cancer each year, Ray hopes that he can encourage anyone and everyone to volunteer to help Macmillan raise the money needed for the new Chesterfield centre. 

“Go and take a look at the wide range of things that Macmillan does for Cancer patients and their families also have a look at previous patient’s testimonials," he said. 

 "It is inspiring stuff believe me, it is almost impossible not to want to get involved." 

Macmillan's regional fundraising manager Rob Turner paid tribute to Ray's tireless work and support. 

"Macmillan relies almost entirely on donations form the public to fund its services. 

"Thanks to people like Ray we can be there for more people affected by cancer," he said. 

Ray enjoys visiting schools, community groups, to give awareness talks and to seek donations. 

Along the way he has tried everything from dressing as a clown for assemblies to using ventriloquist puppets. 

"One of my most memorable moments as a volunteer actually came whilst I was doing a talk in a women’s institute," Ray recalled. 

“I was talking about Cancer survival rates being at an all-time high. All of a sudden a woman in her mid-80s stood up and said ‘too right they are, look at me, I had breast cancer over 10 years ago, but I’m still here.’ Moments like that just fill me with joy!”  

For details on supporting Macmillan in Chesterfield contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk 

Piece published in the Derbyshire Times - 4/06/2015