NHS charity supports colorectal cancer patients

Pictured above: Colorectal patients and staff during the walk.

The Colorectal Service at Hywel Dda University Health Board organised a wellbeing day for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, thanks to Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Thanks to kind donations to the colorectal service, patients and staff were able to attend the Llanelli Wetland Centre for the event.

The NHS charity funded entry, room hire at the venue and refreshments for patients and their families.

Nerys Thomas, Colorectal Nurse Specialist, said: “April was Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and every year as a department, we organise a wellbeing day for old and new patients to attend with their families.

“They have the opportunity to have a chat amongst themselves as well and catch up with the colorectal nursing team. After the walk, we all meet and have a cup of tea with cake.

“This is a health promotion event to help our patients through their cancer journey. It gives them the chance to meet others in the same situation and allows us to signpost them to other support services within Hywel Dda.

“I would like to thank Hywel Dda Health Charities for funding the event and everyone who came along and supported the event. We raised over £500 which will go towards equipment and supporting our patient support groups.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”