Liverpool’s new Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital lights up for Christmas

The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity has marked the festive season with a very special Christmas lights switch on.

Cancer nurse Amy Cookson, who is herself a cancer survivor, and her daughter Ava, were asked to ‘push the button’ at the building site of the brand new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, which is set to open in May 2020.

The lights will put a huge festive smile on the building and will be visible for miles around, even from parts of the Wirral!

Amy was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2013 and was treated by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. She was so inspired by the amazing care she received, that once recovered, she made the decision to become a nurse herself and now works on the very ward where she received her treatment.

Amy was joined by Santa and one of the stars of this year’s magical panto, Snow White, at the M&S Bank Arena – Bippo who plays Muddles. He took time out of rehearsals ahead of opening night this Friday, to help everybody get into the festive spirit; while vocal group The Luminelles from Birkenhead High School Academy sang – quite literally – from the rooftops, with Christmas classics from the terraces of the new hospital.

Chief Executive Liz Bishop said:

“As we look forward to opening this incredible new facility in May 2020, we wanted to do something special to light up the building for Christmas, which once complete will help The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to save an additional 700 local lives every year.

“I would like to thank Amy and her daughter Ava for officially switching on the lights, along with everyone who has contributed to creating such a special moment.  Thanks go to our builders Laing O’Rourke too who have arranged for the Christmas lights to be added, the new hospital looks wonderfully festive.”

Head of Charity Katrina Bury said:
“Christmas is such an important time for the Charity and with £5m left to raise for our New Cancer Hospital Appeal, there’s never been a more important time for people to help us.  It’s only through charity donations, that we can build the best hospital possible, one that we believe the people in our area need and deserve.”

If you would like to support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity this Christmas, you can visit www.clatterbridgecc.org.uk or give through their Facebook page @ClatterbridgeCC