New Cancer Support Centre Opens in North Wales, Easing Travel Burden

A new cancer support centre opened on March 28, 2024, at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, marking the first of its kind in north Wales. The facility, operated by the charity Maggie’s, aims to provide essential support for cancer patients and their families, significantly reducing the need for lengthy travel to treatment centers far from home.

Sophie, a 53-year-old woman from Anglesey with stage four breast cancer, expressed her relief at the opening of the centre. Previously, she had to make a demanding 240-mile round trip to access support services at the Manchester Maggie’s centre. This new facility will allow her and others to receive help much closer to home, fostering a sense of comfort and community. Sophie stated that the centre brings “peace and lots of pleasure,” helping her “make every day count.”

Diagnosed in 2018, Sophie has had a challenging journey through cancer treatment. After initial care in Bangor, Gwynedd, she was informed that her treatment options were dwindling and was subsequently referred to a clinical trial at The Christie in Manchester. The two-hour commute for treatments often required early mornings, with Sophie and her husband, Henry, leaving home by 04:00 to ensure they arrived by 08:00. They sometimes did not return until late at night, adding to the emotional and physical toll of her condition.

Local Support Provides Much-Needed Relief

The opening of the new Maggie’s centre is particularly significant for patients like Sophie, who have had to endure long journeys to find support. “Without the centre, the arduous journey would be even more difficult because I can’t really rest well in the car,” she explained. While she will continue to attend the Manchester facility for treatment, she looks forward to utilizing the services at the new centre.

The garden at Maggie’s has also become a source of solace for Sophie. “We have seen Maggie’s garden for three seasons now… for us, that’s hope,” she remarked, highlighting how nature has played a vital role in her healing process. The support offered at the centre includes access to classes in yoga, writing, and make-up, which have helped her manage anxiety and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Sophie recalled a poignant moment from her time at the Manchester centre, where she overheard a fellow patient expressing distress after being told there were no further treatment options available. The woman’s fear of returning home to isolation underscored the critical need for local support services. Sophie believes the new Maggie’s centre will provide a safe space for individuals to seek comfort and connection during difficult times.

Funding and Future Aspirations

The new Maggie’s centre is the third in Wales and was made possible with a grant of £4 million from the Steve Morgan Foundation, established by the founder of Redrow, a Flintshire-based housebuilder. The charity, founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks, opened its first centre in 1996 and has since expanded its reach, offering free support to anyone affected by cancer.

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, emphasized the importance of local support, stating, “With growing numbers of people living with cancer, it is vital that this support is in place for people in the local area.” The centre aims to alleviate the emotional and logistical burdens faced by patients and their families, allowing them to focus on their health and wellbeing.

Sophie hopes to contribute to the centre’s offerings by introducing activities that resonate with the community, such as a dedicated space for music and yoga. As she continues her journey with cancer, she remains grateful for the support she has received while also looking forward to the positive impact of the new facility on the lives of others in north Wales.