A CHARITY in East Lancashire has teamed up with cancer hospital the Christie to provide two new chemotherapy pumps costing around £3,000.

Supporters of Al-Imdaad Foundation were inspired in part by Umair Degaya, a cancer suffer from Blackburn, the donation helping to reduce chemotherapy waiting times.

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The gift is set to be the first of a new partnership between the Blackburn-based fundraisers and the Manchester cancer hospital, which will house the Baxter triple infusion pumps at a state-of-the-art treatment centre in the city.

Ms Degaya said: “It has been a testing journey over the past 16 months. But the help and support from the Christie and the whole community has made the journey easier. Everyone has shown so much support and love — we really appreciate it. The Christie does an amazing job on a daily basis and for us as a family it is been a home from home. Thank you to everyone from the bottom of our heart.”

Increasing numbers of patients are being placed on to anti-cancer courses, raising demands on existing equipment.

Abdussamad Mulla, Al-Imdaad’s country director, said: “Joining hands with the Christie is a fantastic move for our organisation. To be able to contribute towards the chemo pumps is something we hope to continue for years to come. We would like to thank our donors and supporters from around the world for their valuable contributions towards this project.”

Howard Newhall, a spokesman for the Christie, said: “Our chemotherapy day service is one of the largest in Europe, treating more than 700 patients a week from all disease groups, and is housed in our state-of-the-art treatment centre which is funded largely through charitable donations such as Al-Imdaad Foundation’s.”

The two organisations are planning to join forces on an awareness-raising programme among the communities served by Al-Imdaad across the area.