Official Launch of the All-Wales Cancer Community at the Senedd.

Tenovus Cancer Care were at the Senedd on Tuesday 11^th October to officially launch their All-Wales Cancer Community.

Representatives from all over Wales were invited to the Senedd to stand alongside politicians to mark the start of this new and ambitious community. Tenovus Cancer Care wants everyone who has been affected by cancer in Wales to have a voice, and for these voices to be heard by researchers, policy makers and service providers. The All-Wales Cancer Community (AWCC) gives people the space to share experiences, give their opinion and to help shape the future of cancer care, policy and research in Wales.

Judi Rhys MBE, Chief Executive of Tenovus Cancer Care gave a warm welcome and introduced Russell George MS & Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee who had sponsored the event.

Personal stories from cancer patients who are a part of the AWCC were shared throughout the event. Powerful videos featuring two members at the forefront of the new community, Gill Morton and Wayne John, were shown, in which Gill and Wayne shared their cancer stories and explained why they had joined the AWCC.

Mal O’Donnell really highlighted the fact that there are voices out there that need to be heard by sharing an original poem about how he felt after his cancer diagnosis called “Limbo”.  Here is a small excerpt:

It was brilliant to see so many people who have been affected by cancer really wanting to engage and make a positive difference to cancer care and services in Wales.

The event began and ended with performances from around 50 members of the Cardiff North and Cardiff South Sing With Us Choirs, which served as an amazing example of what a collective voice can achieve.

Tenovus Cancer Care had representatives from their own support services at the event to share the fantastic work that they do, including the Support Line, Benefits Advice, Counselling and their Mobile Support Units.

The event was a great success with 38 out of a possible 60 Members of Senedd engaging with the launch. It was great to see people together again, and to highlight the importance of a community like this for all involved.

You can find out more information about the All-Wales Cancer Community on our information page, and we would love you to sign up here. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact can be.