Town’s prostate scanner delight

The day started with some important meetings including a meeting I arranged with Vince Cable and Mr Mahmud Kaman and Tony Burley from Boohoo. This was to discuss their plans to go forward with a £10m. investment in their operation in Burnley. They are determined to continue to grow and bring jobs and wealth to the area. This would create over 500 jobs and I am fully supportive of their impressive plans. The meeting was very positive and Vince was once again impressed with the growth and prosperity that Burnley demonstrates. I am committed to ensuring we keep growing and delivering jobs and investment to the area.

On Tuesday I attended an important meeting to discuss the latest situation in Jammu and Kashmir. We discussed the issue that is very important and must be resolved.

On Wednesday morning a group of wonderful students from Wellfield School came to Parliament and I was delighted to show them the incredible place that is the Houses of Parliament. They had lots of very searching and interesting questions to ask me and I was equally impressed with their manner and impeccable behaviour– a real credit to the school.

It was also fantastic to talk with the headteacher about their fantastic news which saw their bid for funding for a new kitchen being just announced as successful. This £500,000 is necessary in order for them to provide free school meals and I was very pleased that our meeting with David Laws resulted in this happening.

I also met with a representative from the Treasury to discuss future investment requirements and proposals and projects in our own town. I am dedicated in ensuring that we continue to build on the success and change that has happened in Burnley in the past few years.

Thursday was a fantastic day and one that means an incredible amount to me personally. A life-saving scanner which will help detect cancer early for thousands of East Lancashire patients and save lives, was handed over to Burnley General Hospital.

The new prostate scanner which can diagnose cancers within minutes was officially opened in the hospital’s new Urology Investigation Unit. I led the fund-raising campaign which saw kind-hearted people across the town help raise £50,000.The whole town got behind it and everyone has been chipping in. It is a proud day for everyone involved.

Friday was a good day too with another fundraiser for the scanner. We are now looking to buy a portable scanner to detect women’s bladder cancer. The recent concert at Padiham Unitarian Church for the scanner appeal was a real success. It was a splendid evening of music given by the talented 2nd Rossendale Scout Brass band under the able direction of Graham Helm. Also performing was the local singing sensation Grace O’Malley. £1,150 was raised for the scanner which is amazing.

Please note that there will be my new surgery again this week again on Saturday in Stoneyholme between 12-30 and 1-30pm. It will take place in 63 Abel Street every week.