On Friday 24th January 2020 I performed in a concert for Lyndale Cancer Support Centre. The concert was the first event of its kind for the Centre; held at Volair in Huyton. I was so thrilled to sing with our local community choir Mersey Wave Music and their musical director Jason Ellis and the Northern Ukes Band . Together with Lyndale Cancer Support Center; we created a special programme of music with patients, families and carers and the volunteers associated with the center at the heart of the whole evening. The compère for the event was BBC Radio Merseyside’s Helen Jones and we are all so grateful for her support. Special thanks and congratulations to Lyndale Volunteers Vicky and Margaret for organising a brilliant night and the whole team at Volair who looked after us so well. The evening raised over £3,000 for much needed funds for Lyndale Cancer Support Centre.
“Lyndale” has been providing one-to-one and group support to cancer patients, carers and their families in a warm, relaxed and friendly environment for over 30 years. The support center is run by volunteers and was established in 1983, providing help and support for Cancer patients throughout the Knowsley region. The charity is led by a team of trustees, key volunteers with many years of experience, and the service they provide is all confidential and free.
History of Lyndale
Lyndale was originally founded by Mrs. Mary Davies who was a local resident with personal experience of cancer – she recognised the need for additional support for patients receiving cancer treatment and originally began a support group within her own home, with approval from local GPs. Lyndale became a registered charity and the committee obtained statistics that showed the North-West with the highest incidence of cancer in the country. There has since been an ever-increasing demand for cancer support and the service they provide.
Cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality are major problems in England’s North West. Most recently Liverpool has been identified by Public Health England as one of the three most cancer stricken cities in England and cancer mortality in Merseyside and Cheshire is 76% higher than the European average. Every year in Liverpool, around 40% of all cancer cases are diagnosed by doctors in the A&E Department. In these cases the cancer is usually advanced and can be more difficult to treat.
In order to continue to serve a great number of people ‘Lyndale’ moved to the house on 40 Huyton Lane in 1986. It became the unique cancer support group within a homely and friendly environment that we know and love today. This was all financed by a grant of £36,000 from Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council and £12,000 from St Helens & Knowsley Health Authority. The shortfall in funding of £11,000 was covered by taking out a 25 year mortgage. Lyndale Cancer Support Center and their volunteers now serve around 100 cancer patients and their families a week.
There was building work and refurbishment carried out in 2003/4 which was funded by the National Lottery and from the Mayor of Knowsley’s Charity Fund, and further funding was obtained from Merseyside Safer Cities & Knowsley Inclusion Unit. Lyndale is still run today entirely by dedicated and committed volunteers who provide caring support and information in a friendly relaxed and homely environment – as was Mary Davies‘ original wish. Little did their founder member and first Committee dream that the seeds sown in Mary’s small home, would lead to the beautifully extended and refurbished Lyndale of today!
Lyndale still does rely on donations and funding for running costs, the financing of teachers and therapists for the provision of complimentary therapies, relaxation sessions, yoga and beauty therapies, art and computer classes etc. which are all free of charge to all those who attend Lyndale. Lyndale also organises social events, outings and rambles. Every aspect of their administration, financial accounting and caring support has been carried out voluntarily since 1983.
More people are surviving cancer than ever before. In fact, cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years as a result of improvements in cancer treatments and diagnosis – with thanks to amazing places like Lyndale for their excellent support. There is still, however, a lot of work to do to help reduce the number of people developing and losing their lives to the numerous cancer types. Through our music and events like this one we hope we can help to raise much needed awareness and support for wonderful places like Lyndale and provide uplifting events for all of the volunteers, patients and their families and friends.
If you would like to donate to Lyndale Cancer Support Center please visit https://www.justgiving.com/lyndalecancersupportcentre/donate or e-mail support@knowsley-cancer-support.co.uk