On Thursday, the Tamworth Business Chamber cancelled Glenn McGrath as guest speaker of their upcoming event, on the back of community outrage.

It followed claims by Mr McGrath that Tamworth was not in line for a position in “the immediate future”, despite a litany of fundraising within the city and region.

“It was a noble and magnanimous gesture from the chamber,” Mrs Manning said.

“The community and the chamber really rose to the occasion and now we can feel the power behind us to get the outcome we have been fighting for. It has been an amazing response.” 

While Mrs Manning and many other women in the community can’t speak highly enough of the North West Cancer Centre, unfortunately they don’t know how much better their journey could have been with the assistance of a full time nurse.

“The team at the centre are fabulous from the doctors to the receptionists and I don’t think it would be far off saying it is one of the best in the southern hemisphere, now we just need to add the extras,” Mrs Manning said. I believe a nurse could add so much more, specifically in after care.” 

“It can feel like once you have had your treatment – boom- you’re out and to some people that can be like being left in the cold. It would be great to have a familiar and trusted face that could not only help with after-care, but offer emotional and mental comfort, get back to you if you have a question, or point you in the right direction.” 

As a local volunteer committee with no administrative costs Serendipity have a far reaching and trusted voice, and after forming a sub-committee with representatives from other local agencies 18 months ago are hoping to see a result soon as the momentum continues to build.

“We have had wonderful offers of help in the last few days from the community, monetary, philosophical and moral which gives us great heart that we can do it.”