A DEDICATED support centre for cancer patients and their families has reopened after its Bury home was devastated by flooding.

Bury Cancer Support Centre welcomed patients, families and fundraisers to join its open day at the Bolton Road centre, on Thursday, July 20.

The centre was flooded on New Year’s Eve causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to equipment.

A collapsed ceiling meant that the centre was out of bounds and unable to operate since the incident.

Jeff Green, chairman of the board of trustees, said: “It's the end of a seven month journey which started with the devastating flood on New Years Eve and ends as we officially reopen.

"There have been seven months of disruption as the trustees, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep the service going.

"I believe they are the best team of people I have had the privilege to work alongside."

The service has been operating from Bolton Road Methodist Church, while refurbishment work was carried out.

Mr Green added: "We were very lucky that the church offered us their premises.

"I cannot underestimate how much they have assisted us under the guidance of Rev Kathy Selby and Rita, who kept us in line."

Dozens gathered to watch Theresa Buckley, one of the centre's main fundraisers and patients, officially reopen the centre.

Ian Ware, aged 52, Mike Windsor, aged 41, and Clive Roberts, aged 55, attended the opening ceremony after raising £8,500 to support the centre.

The friends, who are part of a bigger group called Team Oggy, cycled three of the toughest mountains in Tour De France, alongside Andrew Hilton, aged 47, Mark Smith, aged 48 and Michael Fraser, aged 53.

Team Oggy was formed in memory of Dean Ogden, who died after a battle with cancer in April last year.

Mr Ware, from Bolton, said: "Dean was very well loved by all.

"He came to the centre when he was ill so we decided to raise money for the centre in his memory.

"We've had fantastic support from everyone here and have been completely blown away — we never expected to receive the amount of support we've had."

Mr Windsor's wife, Karen, aged 42, died in May after being diagnosed with cancer in April.

The father-of-two from Whitefield, said: "After losing my wife I felt an even bigger need to support the centre.

"Since Karen died I have been coming here with my two children for support and they have been amazing.

"She died three weeks before the trip and it would have been so easy for me not to go.

"All five of the guys encouraged me to keep going and I feel so much better for raising money to support this charity.

"Karen stuck by me through all of my training and would have always wanted me to go."