Beechwood Silver Wing dedicated to former chief executive

Cath Whittaker and son Allen

More than 100 people gathered at the official opening of Beechwood Cancer Care Centre’s new silver wing made possible thanks to the generosity of the Stockport public.

The Silver Wing appeal, which ran in 2014 to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary, raised an amazing £135,000 to extend the community facilities, open a new charity shop at the Beechwood headquarters in Bridgehall, Stockport, and a coffee shop.

Allen Whittaker
Allen Whittaker

The wing has been dedicated to the late CEO of Beechwood, Allen Whittaker, who passed away in April following his own battle with cancer, and was officially opened by his wife, Cath Leitch Whittaker, and the chair of trustees, Tony Wilson.

The opening event also saw, patients, volunteers, guest and members of the public enjoy a BBQ, including stalls, prizes and face painting.

Fundraising manager Angela Gray said: “I would like to say a huge thanks to all the members of the public who supported the Silver Wing appeal and made it possible to extend our community facilities, that benefit everyone in the area alongside our patients and service users.”