Cancer charity’s £150K local investment

The region’s primary cancer charity has made a further investment of over £150,000 in its Wellbeing Programme for those in the region living with and beyond cancer, encouraging local people to ‘restore a part of themselves they thought they’d lost’.

This substantial funding by Lingen Davies Cancer Support expands on the work done in previous years to establish an accessible programme of holistic free to access activities for those affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales.

Many of the popular activities from last year will continue, including open water swimming, yoga, sound baths, tennis, and horticultural programmes, however the refreshed programme will see the addition of new activities to cater to everyone, particularly those living across Mid Wales.

New activities include areola and eyebrow tattooing, art and craft sessions, oncology massage, telephone and pen pal befriending, bird feeding, journaling, and gentle hiking.

Lauren Delarge of Wildflower Tattoos said: “A mastectomy can have multiple emotional effects on a person, especially when it also means the loss of a nipple. This funding from Lingen Davies gives me the opportunity to help more men and women affected by nipple loss, providing them with hyper-realistic areola tattoos to improve their self-confidence.

“Another service I can offer people living with cancer is natural eyebrow tattooing which is adapted to suit sensitive post-treatment skin. This can make a huge difference for those experiencing hair loss because of their treatment and restore a part of themselves they thought they’d lost.”

These free to access activities are available to cancer patients living in Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales, regardless of whether and where they receive cancer treatment. Some activities are also open to the support person of the cancer patient, such as a family member or close friend, who are also affected.

Around 550 people took part in last year’s offerings with more already poised to attend this year’s sessions.

James Turner, Grants and Projects Coordinator at Lingen Davies, said: “This programme has grown rapidly which is testament to the huge importance of these sessions for local people affected by cancer.

“Not only do these sessions give participants the opportunity to do something to support their emotional and physical wellbeing, but it also provides a relaxed place to connect with others living with and beyond cancer who have been through similar experiences.

“The comfort of knowing that others truly understand you and what you’ve been through is something that cannot be replicated elsewhere and we’re so proud to make this a possibility for so many across the region.

“The feedback we received last year indicates that this programme is a crucial lifeline for many,” he added.

Janet Timms from Shrewsbury took part in the free to access programme last year and would recommend others to do the same.

She said: “The Wellbeing Programme supported me all the way through my breast cancer diagnosis last year, and I’ve met some amazing people as a result. I’ve been to art classes run by Swan Hill Studios and yoga sessions with Jenna Blair Yoga.

“If anyone out there is wondering if they should take part, I’d say don’t hesitate. Jump in with both feet because it will change your life.”

Lingen Davies Cancer Support is the region’s primary cancer charity and is dedicated to making a positive difference for those living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales who are affected by cancer.

The cancer charity is currently fundraising for its biggest appeal to date – a £5million Sunflower Appeal dedicated to enhancing cancer services across the region through the development of a Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital by 2029.

The new centre will double chemotherapy capacity across the region, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need, where they need, quicker.