At their last meeting, town councillors received an engaging presentation from Helen Davies, Powys Cancer Champion Coordinator for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.

At a full meeting of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council on June 26th, 2023, town councillors had the opportunity to hear from Helen Davies and ask questions around the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.

During her presentation, Ms Davies shed light on the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and the Cancer Champions Initiative, emphasizing the significance of cancer awareness and early detection.

Helen stressed the importance of cancer awareness and early detection as critical factors in saving lives. The Cancer Champions Initiative, spearheaded by the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, aims to foster open conversations about cancer and empower individuals to identify warning signs early on. This initiative serves as a collaborative effort between various sectors, including the health service, local government, and community networks, to effectively address the challenges posed by cancer.

The Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, overseen by a diverse board of trustees, plays a pivotal role in raising funds to improve services and treatment at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Since its inception, the charity has expanded its reach and embarked on several projects in collaboration with local health bodies and other organizations, amplifying its impact on the community.

In March 2023, Newtown and the wider Powys region launched an initiative to recruit, train, and support Cancer Champions. These Champions are individuals who, as part of their everyday lives, possess the confidence to initiate conversations, share vital information about cancer signs and symptoms, and encourage others in their community to undergo cancer screenings. The overarching goal of this endeavor is to enhance the rates of early cancer diagnosis, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.

To date, a total of thirty Cancer Champions have been successfully recruited and trained from various groups, organisations, and workplaces in Powys. The training, which spans three hours, is readily available throughout the region.

For those interested in becoming a Cancer Champion or seeking more information, please contact [email protected] or visit the Cancer Champions website.

Expressing gratitude for Ms. Davies' informative presentation, the Mayor conveyed the Council's willingness to consider any future requests for support in promoting the charity's invaluable work.