Legacy of local farmer brings comfort to cancer patients at Bronglais

Pictured: Jean and Hugh Lloyd Francis

A substantial legacy donation made in memory of local farmer and builder Hugh Lloyd Francis and his wife Jean Lloyd Francis has transformed the outpatient area of the new Leri cancer unit at Bronglais General Hospital, creating a welcoming and tranquil environment for patients receiving cancer diagnoses and treatment.

The Leri cancer unit opened in May, thanks to kind donations from members of local communities who raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Bronglais Chemo Appeal.

The generous legacy donation of over £115,000 from Mr and Mrs Lloyd Francis’s estate has enabled the refurbishment of the outpatient areas as part of the wider redevelopment of the cancer unit. Thanks to the donation, the outpatient areas have been finished to an exceptional standard, including the installation of original artwork; decoration of walls and ceilings; new flooring and doors, and new wash hand units in the consulting rooms.

Bronglais Hospital has looked after Mr and Mrs Lloyd Francis, who lived in Llanfarian, for most of their lives. Mr Lloyd Francis, who overcame cancer, had expressed a heartfelt wish in his will that his legacy be used to enhance the experience of others undergoing cancer care.

A further legacy donation was made to Lingen Davies Cancer Support, a charity which makes a positive difference to lives affected by cancer in Mid Wales, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Jane Lloyd Francis, Mr and Mrs Lloyd Francis’s daughter, said: “Both my father and mother were incredibly hard-working throughout their lives. My father was still working at age 90, and work was his mainstay. As well as farming, he built up a successful building business from nothing, and it’s through this lifetime of hard work and foresight that my parents were able to make this donation.”

Speaking about her mother, Jane said: “My mother, Jean, was horse-mad from the outset. Her years were busy, working full-time as a farmer’s wife, raising a daughter and supporting the family in the dairy business.

“In later years she was able to work in the Aberystwyth Zoology Department, and even began flying lessons at 70!

“My mother was always full of wit and energy. She loved parties and dancing, and she loved people. We are all subject to difficult times in our lives and my parents had their fair share. My mother found ways to face these moments with courage, dignity and acceptance.”

Speaking about her father (pictured), Jane said: “My father worked physically until he was 80 years old and kept sheep until he passed away at 90. During this period, he had cancer and also became a carer for his wife.

“He was a resourceful and resilient man, and a great problem solver. Capable of being heroic in tragic circumstances, he would not turn away from difficult moments.

“When my father had cancer and was waiting for his radiotherapy, it changed him. He spent a lot of time in waiting rooms, and he was moved by seeing other people waiting for their treatment, and by their suffering.

“He would be so pleased that his donation is making the experience easier and more comfortable for cancer patients at Leri cancer unit.”

Above: The tranquil outpatient area with original artworks which was made possible by the legacy donation

Feedback from patients who have experienced the new outpatient areas has been overwhelmingly positive. One patient shared: “It’s absolutely fantastic, the warm and relaxing feel from the colours and the space, it now feels like a ‘together’ place.”

Staff have also noticed the positive impact. One team member commented: “Incorporating art into this scheme has provided the opportunity to consider the natural world and how it impacts our wellbeing. The sense of joy this part of the scheme brought is evident to all.”

Gina Beard, Lead Cancer Nurse at the health board, said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous legacy from Mr and Mrs Lloyd Francis which will benefit so many people affected by a cancer diagnosis from our local communities.

“Thanks to this kind gift, the outpatient space now mirrors the high standard of the newly constructed treatment area, offering a consistent and calming environment for patients, families, and staff.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We are deeply grateful to Mr and Mrs Lloyd Francis for their incredibly generous legacy gift. Their support has made a profound and lasting difference to cancer care at Bronglais, helping us create a space that is not only functional but also comforting and uplifting for patients and their families.”

For more information about the new Leri cancer unit, please click here.

For more information on the Leri cancer unit artists, please click here.

Lingen Davies Cancer Support has been supporting cancer patients throughout Mid Wales who have to travel to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for treatment, for more than 45 years. The organisation is also working to support patients living with and beyond in the community and has recently donated radar keys to patients in Bronglais Hospital to enable easier use of facilities while out and about.

The charity will be running one of its flagship fundraising events in October, giving those in the west of its region the chance to support its work. For more information on the 11-mile coastal, Titty Trail hike, visit: https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/news-events/events