North Wales Welcomes New Cancer Support Centre to Ease Burden

A new cancer support centre opened on March 14, 2024, in Denbighshire, marking a significant development for cancer patients in north Wales. The facility, part of the Maggie’s cancer support network, aims to alleviate the long journeys previously required for treatment. Sophie, a 53-year-old woman from Anglesey who is battling advanced breast cancer, has expressed her relief at having a centre closer to home. Until now, she traveled a daunting **240-mile round trip** to access vital support services.

The new centre at **Ysbyty Glan Clwyd** in Bodelwyddan is the first of its kind in north Wales. Sophie has been using the Maggie’s centre in Manchester to manage the stress of her journey and treatment. She described the opening as a source of “peace and lots of pleasure,” noting that it would help her and others “make every day count.”

Sophie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2018. After initial treatment in Bangor, Gwynedd, she was informed that her treatment options were limited. This led her to a clinical trial at The Christie hospital in Manchester, which she continues to attend. The two-hour drive from her home requires her to leave at **04:00** to reach her appointments by **08:00**, often returning home late at night.

Her treatment journey took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added further complications. Family members, including her husband Henry, were unable to accompany her inside the hospital. He often had to wait in the car for hours, facing harsh winter conditions while Sophie underwent chemotherapy. The introduction of the Maggie’s centre provided her with a space to find relief from anxiety and meet others facing similar challenges.

The new facility will offer a range of services, including classes in yoga, writing, and make-up, which Sophie found beneficial in Manchester. “Without the centre, the arduous journey would be even more difficult because I can’t really rest well in the car,” she said. Although she will continue to visit the Manchester centre for treatment, she looks forward to using the Denbighshire location for emotional support.

The garden at Maggie’s has become a symbol of hope for Sophie. “We have seen Maggie’s garden for three seasons now… for us, that’s hope,” she shared, highlighting the importance of having a peaceful space to reflect and recharge.

Sophie’s insights into the emotional toll of long-distance travel for treatment were underscored by a poignant incident she witnessed at the Manchester centre. She overheard a woman who had just been told that there were no further treatment options available to her. The woman expressed her despair not only about her health but also about the isolation she would face returning home to north Wales, where support services were lacking.

With the new centre, Sophie believes that local patients will have a vital resource to help them navigate the fears, worries, and anxieties associated with cancer treatment. “It allows people to get away from the fear or the worry or the anxiety that you’re going through with cancer treatment,” she noted.

The opening of the Maggie’s centre in Denbighshire was made possible through a generous donation of **£4 million** from the **Steve Morgan Foundation**, an organization established by the founder of Redrow, a housebuilding company based in Flintshire. Maggie’s, which began its journey with the first centre opened in **1996**, has grown to provide free support to anyone affected by cancer, including family and friends.

Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, stressed the importance of local support services as the number of individuals living with cancer continues to rise. “With growing numbers of people living with cancer, it is vital that this support is in place for people in the local area,” she stated.

Sophie hopes to see community initiatives at the new centre, such as a “Mike Peters corner” for music activities. Mike Peters, a musician from Denbighshire, received treatment at The Christie during his own battle with cancer. While Sophie remains “forever grateful” for the care she has received in Manchester, she acknowledges the emotional strain that has accompanied frequent travel.

The launch of the Maggie’s centre in north Wales not only provides essential support but also fosters a sense of community among those affected by cancer, a much-needed resource for individuals and families navigating this challenging journey.