EXPANDING REACH OF VITAL CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES

Lingen Davies Cancer Fund exists to raiseawareness about cancer in the local community,and to ensure local people can access the best cancer services locally CEO Naomi Atkin explains what the charity has delivered to date and why its mission to spread awareness about cancer is more vital than ever before…

Since 1979, thecharity has fundraisedtosupport patients going through their treatment at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital’s Lingen Davies Cancer Centre. In more recent years it has expanded its work and reach to include raising awareness about cancer in the wider community,tohelppeople before they get cancer,aswell as funding several projects and initiatives to make life easier for those living with andbeyond cancer

Last year the charity announced it had reached the £1,000,000 income mark –thanksinpart to asignificant legacyfrom a Powys-based supporter.This year thesmall charity team is set to build on the rapid growth seen over the last few years, continue to develop its fundraising events schedule, travel to moreplaces throughout Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales to interactwith more people and spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of cancer,and ultimately support thegrowing number of people living locally with cancer

Building on the recent legacy bequeathed to the organisation, adedicated Cancer Champion Coordinator has been appointed to work throughout Powys, joining the existing Cancer Champions raising awareness throughout Shropshire. Anew base in Newtown’s Plas Dolerw Centre has also been launched to complement the ongoing work of the fundraising team working out of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital’s Hamar Centre.

The charity is heavily investing in its LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service where health engagement professionals support volunteers to work in the wider community and encourage those around them –atevents,clubs and organisations, andbusinesses –torecognise the signs and symptoms of cancer.Byincreasing awareness and recruiting people through the Cancer Champions project to further the uptake of cancer screening, the charity want to help drive more early diagnoses and work towards cancer prevention.

As well as running its own cancer awareness programme, Lingen Davies also funds severalother services operating locally through its small grants fund –which is available to all organisations andgroups working to improve the situation for those going through cancer

Naomi Atkin, CEO for Lingen Davies, said at atime when people’s budgets are more stretched than ever it is important people don’t forget the valuable charity work going on locally

“With one in two people currently being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and more than4,000 new patients needing the services of theLingen Davies Cancer Centre every year,there has never been amoreimportant time to support local cancer services.

iCan –£160,000

Free to anyone impacted by cancer who wants support with physical fitness, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and adjusting to life with and beyond cancer

Radar Keys –£633

Working initially with North Shropshire PCN we have been able to fund the purchase of 1,000 radar keys for cancer patients to use, enabling them to remain active and access their communities without the worryofneeding to find public facilities.

Scalp cooling cap –£18,836

We have funded anew cap for the chemotherapy unit that will help those people who are worried about losing their hair.Bykeeping the scalp cool the cap prevents the hair follicles from expanding and the consequent effects of chemotherapy

Lingen Davies on the road

Thanks to agenerous donation from Telford Plaza Ltd we have been able to purchase abrand-new exhibition van which will be used to further ourLiveLife Cancer Awareness message and be part of the fight to beat cancer

“Wehave delivered services, equipment, technology and resources to benefitcancer patientsfrom throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales, and we are now working in the wider community to address the engagement with cancer screening, encourage more people to seek early diagnosis, andalso continue to develop our support for those living with and beyond cancer

“Wefund iCan, acancer rehabilitation programme which is open anyone in the region going through cancer,and offers an holistic approach to regaining fitness,maintaining good nutrition and wellbeing, and dealing with life with and beyond cancer

“Wehave also funded 1,000 radar keys which are available to anyone throughout our region whose quality of life has been impacted by cancer,the keys enable people to continue living their lives without theworry of not being able to access public facilities.

“Wealso fund complementary therapies offered to patients and delivered in partnership with Severn Hospice. We are a community of organisations working together to benefitthose impacted by cancer n To supportthe work of theregion’s main cancer charityeither by taking part in an event, makingaoneoff donation, volunteering your time, or becoming aFriend of Lingen Davies, visit the website www.lingendavies.co.uk

“I am delighted at our recent growth and this year promises to be another busy,productive, and impactful year for us.We cannot do what we do without our supporters, and Iamvery grateful to everyone who supports us –whether it is acash donation, volunteering time, or giving agift in kind –weare tremendously appreciative to the people of Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales for their ongoing efforts on behalf of Lingen Davies,” she added.

Events Diary

Lingen Davies prides itself on offering something for everyone. Upcoming activities include:

June 10: LakeDistrict UltraChallenge –takeonthe 100km route around the picturesque Lakes

June 17: Cotswold Big Swim –one for experienced swimmers to join this national event and raise funds for local cancer patients

July 1: Sunny’sSkydive–heading out from Tilstock airfield we will makethis a real day to remember

September 10: Pedal the Borders –our popular cycling challenge is returning for the thirdyear offering 100km, 60km and 25km distance options –all in the presence of global cycling superstar and triple gold-medallist Ed Clancy OBE.

October 4: Camino de Santiago –join us for this iconic, once-in-a-lifetime trek through the Spanish countryside, covering 67km across four days.