Leech welcomes return of Christie millions

11.25.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Jun 2009

Withington MP John Leech has welcomed the news that The Christie is to recoup the £6.5m that it lost in the Icelandic Banking collapse.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Leech, who presented a copy of the Cash Back for Christie petition to Parliament on behalf of the world famous cancer hospital, said:

'I am delighted that The Christie is getting its money back and that Caroline Shaw and her colleagues can now look forward to pressing on with their vital research, free from the black financial cloud that was hanging over them until this announcement.'

Mr Leech, who joined Christie bosses in presenting the Cash Back for Christie petition to Downing Street last month, added:

'This reversal of government policy just goes to show the power that people rallying round for a good cause can have. It is only as a result the determination of all those involved with the campaign, especially the public support that the Manchester Evening News' Cash Back for Christie petition generated, that the government has been forced to step in and help The Christie. This is a fantastic result for all concerned.'

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Notes to editors:

• On Thursday, 7th May 2009, John Leech presented a copy of the Cash Back for Christie petition to House of Commons: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090507/debtext/90507-0019.htm#090507115000758

• On Thursday, 7th May 2009, John Leech joined Christie representatives and other MPs in presenting the petition to Downing Street.

• In April, John Leech met with Kevin Brennan, the government minister responsible for the voluntary sector to press him to help The Christie.

• John Leech has also tabled an Early Day Motion supporting The Christie's efforts to recoup the lost money:

EDM 1037

CHRISTIE CHARITY AND THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPENSATION SCHEME

10.03.2009

Leech, John

That this House notes with dismay the decision by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme not to allow The Christie charity's claim for £6.5 million after the collapse of the UK-regulated bank Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander; further notes that this decision will have no impact on services or jobs, but that it puts under threat future research developments and new buildings; recognises the outstanding healthcare and support provided by The Christie to cancer patients and their families and the contribution made by thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to raise money to support the work of The Christie; welcomes the plans by The Christie to apply for a judicial review to overturn the decision; and looks forward to the money being returned to The Christie