PERSONAL WATER BOTTLES FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS

The Radiotherapy Department at The North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd treats on average 450 prostate cancer patients a year. One of the practical issues faced in their treatment is the need for each patient to drink 500ml of water prior to their Radiotherapy.

When Jonathan Evans, a Radiotherapist in the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre, identified how difficult it was to monitor water intake using paper cups and indeed the number of paper cups required, he came up with the idea of issuing each patient with their own personal water bottle. Not only does this cut waste but makes monitoring patient intake easier and reduces the risk of infection.

Jonathan approached the North Wales Cancer Appeal to ask whether they would be willing to donate 500 water bottles to the department for use by this specific patient group. With the added risk of cross infection, Jonathan thought a personal water bottle would be an ideal solution.

Carol Pritchard Jones, Chairman of the North Wales Cancer Appeal set about sourcing a suitable bottle on which contact details for the Charity and the logo could be added.

Pat Evans, Manager of Radiotherapy Services at the Centre said ‘Jonathan’s idea for the patients to receive their own personal bottle was an ideal solution to our problem and we are grateful to The North Wales Cancer Appeal for their kind donation of 500 plastic drinking bottles. Patients have 20 daily visits over a four week period and the bottles are used during very visit.’

Carol Pritchard Jones said ‘ We are delighted to be able to provide the Radiotherapy Department with these bottles and assist with one of the day to day challenges they face. The bottles also provide us with an ideal platform to promote the Charity and the ongoing work we do in conjunction with the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’.

THE WORLD’S FIRST 100,000 - PERSON MARATHON!

The 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon is set to be the biggest marathon ever staged, with an incredible 100,000 runners taking part. How is this possible? Well, the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon is returning this year, with 50,000 places available for runners to take on 26.2 miles from wherever they are in the world, on Sunday 3 October.

On the same day, a record 50,000 people will run the traditional marathon route from Blackheath to The Mall – an increase of more than 7,000 on the previous finishers record. Would you like to be one in 100,000? 

It is certainly going to be the Marathon to get a place on in 2021. Whether this is your first marathon, your 30th marathon, your must do challenge, your dream, your celebration, your remembrance or commemoration … then we have places for you to run for the North Wales Cancer Appeal.

The North Wales Cancer Appeal is a volunteer run Charity that raises money to buy equipment for The North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre and since 1991 has raised in excess of £3 million

The ballot for the Marathon was announced on February 8th 2021 for general admission places so if you didn’t get one then we have places available.

You can download the Application form here

Or send an E Mail to admin@northwalescancerappeal.co.uk and we will send you an application form by return

12 New Observation Units For Enfys Ward

When the Committee of the North Wales Cancer Appeal heard that hard pressed staff on Enfys Ward were having to share observation machines between patients, the Charity decided to help. With only one existing machine shared between a number of rooms, staff conducting regular observations on patients receiving treatment were having to spend time sterilising the shared unit before moving from one patient to another, meaning precious time lost and an increased risk of infection.

The Charity committed funds to purchase 12 new machines that are now installed for sole use in each room. Natalie Griffiths, Ward Sister of Enfys (pictured right) said ‘We are very grateful for a donation such as this which helps us in a practical way on a day to day basis to provide our patients with the highest standard of care and comfort. Any time saved on a busy ward is precious and when some patients are on as much as half hourly observations, the time soon adds up.’

Natalie added ‘We are now hoping to raise enough funds to purchase the same units for a number of other rooms within the Cancer Treatment Centre which also have to share this equipment’.

Pictured is Owen Jones from Wrexham having his obs checked by left - Natalie Standish – Healthcare Support Worker and Ward Sister – Natalie Griffiths.

Wildcat Ukulele Raises £400 for NWCA

Paul Barnard recently received Radiotherapy treatment at The North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre and as a thank you decided on a novel idea to raise money for the Charity. Paul builds musical instruments and embarked on a project to build a Ukulele dedicated to the North Wales Cancer Appeal which he then auctioned and the successful bidder donated to the Charity. We are delighted to announce the successful bidder paid £360.00 for the instrument and increased his donation to £400.00 to benefit the Charity.

The pictures of the completed instrument shows a fabulous and truly unique tribute to the work of the Charity and Cancer Treatment Centre. A sincere thank you to both Paul Barnard and Paul Garrud – the successful bidder.

Now a regular annual event the Ladies Lunch kindly hosted by Karen & John Hall of the Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh, this year attracted over 170 guests. Saturday 17th August 2019 fortunately turned out dry and sunny and the marquee sited courtesy of Philip and Rachel Hughes at Brookhouse Farm provided the perfect venue for a fabulous Canape and Prosecco Reception, followed by a beautiful buffet lunch.

The Charity’s very generous supporters and sponsors provided over 30 Raffle and Auction prizes from Afternoon Teas, Spa Days and works of art to designer handbags and baskets of beauty products. It seemed that very few went home empty handed!
After record Raffle Ticket Sales and some very enthusiastic bidding in the Auction, as a result of Karen & John’s generosity the event raised £5,000 for the charity which to date is a record amount.

Thanks go to all our generous donors and sponsors and the wonderful duo called Keenan who entertained us all throughout lunch and then donated their services again as an Auction Lot – Thanks to you all …..

Meirion Davies Pink Silage Wrap Appeal

Staff at Meirion Davies Agricultural Merchants in Denbigh came up with a novel idea of raising money for the charity. As silage wrap is one of the more popular and fast selling products at this time of year, the staff decided to ask their supplier Crop Packaging Systems of Wexford to supply them with a stock of bright pink wrap.

They came up with the bright idea that for every customer who purchased the unusual coloured wrap, Meirion Davies & Co donated the profit to the Charity and then matched it again – meaning by the end of the sales the grand total of £800.00 was raised.

The staff and North Wales Cancer Appeal would like to thank every customer for their generous contribution, and to the Archdale family for sharing photographs of their pink bale wrap.
Also thanks to Meirion Davies Agricultural Merchants Limited for their valuable contribution to the fundraising effort. The Vale of Clwyd is truly ‘in the pink’ this Autumn …

Honeywell Employees Do It Again!

Tracey Ham, an employee of Honeywell St Asaph recently celebrated her 50th Birthday along with her brother Jim Morris, with a Party for family and friends at the Nant Hall, Prestatyn.

Tracey arranged for a Charity Envelope fill – everyone put £5 in an envelope and then one was drawn out. The idea was the winner received half the proceeds and half went to Charity. However, on the night the winners – Pete Bradley and Donna Dagne – both Honeywell employees, donated their winnings back to the Charity.

We are therefore thrilled to report a total of £230 has been donated to the North Wales Cancer Appeal.

Thanks to Tracey and Jim, the Honeywell staff and of course the winners for their wonderful gesture.

Volunteer Secretary Vacancy

The North Wales Cancer Appeal Requires a Volunteer Secretary to assist with our increased workload. Are you computer literate and have any spare time to help us?

SkyBall Raises over £26,000

On April 6th a group of friends organised and hosted a very splendid ball at Wigfair Hall in Cefn. One of the group was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2018 and as a result of her superb treatment and care at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre the group wanted to raise some funds to show their gratitude.

Kate herself was treated with the radiotherapy machine that this charity purchased in 2015. Along her journey she enthused about the world class care by talented and caring staff at the Cancer Centre.

The group has worked tirelessly over many months to make the James Bond themed SKYBALL an evening full of fun and a tremendous fundraising success. Many people gave their time, contributing in many ways and numerous local companies contributed so generously. The Auction of Promises alone made £16,000. There were some very impressive and tempting experiences on offer. We are hugely grateful to you all.

We, the members of the NWCA committee, want to relate our sincere and huge gratitude to the girls on the organising committee, Kate, Teri, Charlotte, Leanne, Erin, Lynsey, and Cathy and to everyone who bought tickets and gave so generously throughout the night. A cheque for a huge £ 26,215.00 will soon be handed over to the charity.

We would also like to thank Nathan Roberts the photographer for the evening who supplied the wonderful pictures exhibited here on the charity web site. Nathan supplied his services for free and is selling pictures from the event which can be viewed here with all proceeds from the photo sales going directly to the SKYBALL fundraising total.

Marathon Runners Raise £22,000 for the Charity

All 6 Gold Bond Runners have exceeded their £2,000 target and raised a combine total of over £22,000 for the North Wales Cancer Appeal. All runners finished and an additional £4,740.75 from independent runners in the London and Manchester Marathon, Anthony Parvin and Sam Herd brings our grand total raised to over £26,500. Thanks to all the runners for their huge and much appreciated effort.

The runners and their reasons for taking on the Marathon are as follows:

Dr Graham Ormondroyd

Dr. Graham Ormondroyd is Head of Materials Research at the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University. Graham is celebrating his 40th Birthday in 2019 and decided that instead of – in his words ‘holding a gratuitous party’ he would spend the entire year raising money for Charity. Graham has set himself a goal of £10,000 in total – a huge challenge!

Graham said ‘They say that one in two people will be affected by cancer and this means that out of my friends and family in North Wales, many may well need the services of The North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre. If I can make a difference by ‘paying it forward’ then that is what I feel I should do. I have a desire to help make a difference in the local community’.

To donate to Graham’s fund go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GrahamOrmondroyd

Trish Thompson

Trish was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2015 and treated at Wrexham Maelor and the Cancer Treatment Centre at Glan Clwyd. Trish completed the 2010 and 2011 London Marathon and says she wouldn't class herself as a runner but loves a challenge. When she received an ‘all clear’ diagnosis in August 2018, Trish decided she would relish the challenge of running the Marathon again and said ‘there is no other Charity I would run for now and am delighted to have been chose to run for The North Wales Cancer Appeal’.

Trish is running darts competitions and race nights to assist with her fundraising – if you want to donate to Trish go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TrishEmmaJanice

Hywel Roberts

Hywel’s sister, Hawys Roberts, was the top fundraiser for The North Wales Cancer Appeal in the London Marathon of 2018 and he travelled down to watch her complete the course. Obviously inspired and very driven (just like his sister!) Hywel has gone from completing a ‘Couch to 5k’ programme to run in four Half Marathons through 2018 and now put himself on the line for the big one!

Hywel said ‘I saw all the hard work and dedication Hawys put into not only the training but also the fundraising and I am very competitive and will be doing all I can to complete the 2019 course and top her £7,000 total funds raised. As a teacher at Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl, I have come across so many families affected by this cruel disease and having also lost my Uncle and Grandad to cancer, would like to do something to help’.

To donate to Hywel’s fund go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HywelRoberts3

Gwenan Johnson

Gwenan joined Denbigh Harriers Running Club two years ago and has advanced from a 5k park run to completing three half marathons and a local full marathon in 2017. Now looking to step up to another level, Gwenan and a few of her running friends have managed to secure places via various routes in the 2019 London Marathon.

Gwenan works in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and has lost dear relatives to cancer, also a keen supporter of the North Wales Cancer Appeal, Gwenan said ‘ I attended a Ladies Lunch in the Summer and learnt how the Charity allocates its’ funds towards equipment and local patient care and wanted to add to this fund. My daughter has promised to help me organise monthly walks locally and evenings to fund raise for my target total whilst I out in the miles of training!’.

To donate to Gwenan’s fund go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GwenanJohnson

Emma Stephens

Emma’s best friend was treated at The North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre for breast cancer a few years ago and Emma witnessed personally the way patients and relatives rely on the service the Centre offers week in week out to the people of North Wales.

Emma said ‘The valuable support the Appeal provides to the staff and patients at The Cancer Treatment Centre is amazing and supports the care provided. My friend’s personal recommendation meant a lot and will be training and raising funds through organising events and raffles to support the final target total’.

To donate to Emma’s fund go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TrishEmmaJanice

Holly Hulson

Holly has had first-hand experience of the devastating effects of cancer through family losses and also works as an acute dietitian supporting cancer patients with maintaining their nutritional status throughout their cancer diagnosis. Therefore, she has experienced the effect fantastic cancer care can have on people’s cancer journeys.

Holly said “I’m excited to raise money for North Wales Cancer Appeal to help continue the fantastic treatment available for people suffering with cancer”. Holly is new to running but is excited for the challenge of training for a marathon, alongside raising as much money as possible for NWCA (+ planning her wedding a few weeks after the marathon!).

Holly plans to raise funds through her love of food. She plans to arrange bake sales at her local cricket club, set up stalls on local walking routes and other locations throughout Chester and North Wales. She also plans to utilise her dietetic and nutritional skills and knowledge to raise funds in the new year, so if you’re looking for some diet advice in return for a donation, get in touch with her on hollyhulson@live.co.uk.

To donate to Holly’s marathon fund go to

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HollyHulson

New Over Bed Tables for Enfys Ward donated by NWCA

When staff in Enfys Ward in the Cancer Treatment Centre at Glan Clwyd announced that Infection Control had condemned the nearly 20 year old over bed tables used daily by in- patients, the North Wales Cancer Appeal stepped in to help.

With no available funds in the budget for the replacements, the volunteers in the Charity decided to help out with what is a practical and necessary part of Ward life.

Whilst the Charity is generally fundraising for large capital projects, such as the Linac Radiotherapy donation of over £900k in 2016, NWCA also likes to assist from time to time with smaller projects that assist with patient wellbeing and comfort. The new tables are now installed and in full use. Adele Roberts, Ward Sister said ‘ The tables are so much lighter and easier to mover and clean, patients and staff find them easier to work with and we are so pleased the Charity was able to fund them’.

Pictured below are Enfys Ward Sister Adele Roberts and some of her staff one of the new tables on the Enfys Ward

Baubles & Warbles & Only Boys Aloud A Sell Out Success

The much-anticipated return of the London Opera Quartet (now more commonly know as ‘Baubles & Warbles’) brought an enthusiastic audience of more than 400 people to St Asaph Cathedral on Friday 15th February.

Anthony Harris, the Barbles & Warbles Compere and Tenor provided us with his take on the evening’s events. Anthony said……

‘It was a privilege for Baubles & Warbles to return to North Wales and host the concert with Only Boy's Aloud and as the audience poured in and filled the majestic and spacious St. Asaph Cathedral to capacity, we knew we were in for a good night! We always like to add the 'personal touch' to our events and beginning the evening with The Flying Pickets 'Only You' reminded us of our visit a few years ago when we performed this well-loved piece at the marriage of Henllan-born, Soprano Lowri Hazzard.

The audience were quick to join in with the usual 'Ding Dong' yelling as we moved through our repertoire of classical choral songs featuring Karl Jenkins' 'Ave Verum' and Billy Joel's 'And so it Goes'. We moved aside for Only Boy's Aloud to take the floor after delivering a lively and roof-raising duet entitled Tenor & Baritone, aptly between Tenor, Anthony Harris and Bass Baritone Piran Legg who took to the floor Strictly Come Dancing style!

During rehearsals that Friday afternoon, our ears received an inkling as to what the audience were to receive when Only Boy's Aloud brought their voices together and the night came up to and exceeded expectations. Again and again, this inspiring and vocally brilliant choir sang their hearts out to much accolade from the audience and indeed Baubles & Warbles. What a joy it was for us to share the stage with them all!

We welcomed the audience back for the second half of the concert with a rousing rendition of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' written by the famed Freddie Mercury before sailing through some audience participation as we brought some familiar songs to the ears of the listeners. Baubles & Warbles rounded of our second half appearance with an adaption of 'Hey Jude' - now to be sung 'Hey Rhydian!' What a great audience as always in North Wales!‘

Caerwys FC Raise Nearly £900 Over Christmas & New Year For NWCA

The hardy and brave souls who turn out every Boxing Day, whatever the weather, in Caerwys to play a Charity Football Match in fancy dress, this year excelled themselves and over the Festive Period raised nearly £1,800, half of which was donated to The North Wales Cancer Appeal.

Other events such as a Dog Walk Treasure Hunt, Killer Pool, Quiz Night and an Auction of Promises all contributed towards the fantastic contribution this group of local people make to our Charity and St Kentigern’s every year.

Our huger appreciation goes out to Arwel Davies and his team who work tirelessly
both before, during and after the Christmas period to make this event an annual success raising much needed funds for both these worthy local charities.

We thank you all!

Marathon Runner All Day Cycle Fundraiser

Holly Hulson decided to ‘get on her bike’ literally to get her Marathon Fundraising endeavours underway. The nutritionist and fitness fanatic from Chester set up a couple of spinning bikes in the foyer at Sainsburys Rhyl on Saturday 2nd February and cycled non stop from 9am to 5pm to advance her fundraising total.

Assisted during various times of the day by friends, relatives and at one point the family pet dog … thanks to the generosity of local people visiting Sainsburys for their Saturday groceries Holly managed to raise over £776.00!

Thanks go to those members of the public who donated and the staff and management at Sainsburys Rhyl who made this fundraiser possible. Also to Saints of Meliden who provided the two bikes – well done and thanks to all!

Holly now has to turn her attentions to the Marathon training after riding a bike non stop for 8 hours.