With 670 cancer cases every year in the Monmouthshire local authority area, Peter Fox MS visited the Cancer Research UK shop in Abergavenny today to meet the dedicated staff and volunteers who help make the charity’s life-saving work possible.
During the visit, Peter Fox MS spent time with the team finding out about the generosity of the tireless volunteers who contribute their time to help raise funds for research into over 200 types of cancer.
Praising staff and volunteers, Peter Fox MS said: “It was inspiring to see for myself the essential contribution that volunteers in our community are making in the fight against this devastating disease that affects so many in Monmouthshire.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity to give something back to an important cause. Nearly 1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime. But all of us can support the research that will beat it. As little as two hours per week could make a huge difference to the scientists making this a reality.
Cancer impacts so many Welsh communities, so it has been fantastic to hear everyone's commitment to raising vital funds for life-saving research within our local community’.”
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 50 years. However, the challenge is only growing. By 2038-40, the number of new cases is projected to increase to around 24,800 each year in Wales.
Peter Fox MS’ visit comes at a critical moment in Wales, with around 670 new cancer cases being diagnosed in the Monmouthshire local authority area every year.
Ahead of next year’s Senedd Election, Cancer Research UK has launched its manifesto for Wales, calling on the next Welsh Government to make a national commitment to reduce cancer deaths by 15% by 2040, which would help save 5,500 lives. The manifesto can be read here.
Cancer Research UK’s Public Affairs Officer, Ella Davies, thanked Peter Fox MS: “We’re grateful for Peter’s time meeting our dedicated volunteers today and the generosity and commitment of supporters in and around the Monmouth constituency.
Together, we are helping to build a future where more people live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s manifesto in Wales, please visit https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/we-develop-policy/manifesto-for-cancer-research-and-care-in-wales
Photo Caption - Monmouth MS, Peter Fox with Store Manager, Jo Phillips and volunteers: Chris Nelmes, Teresa Jones and Ruth Cameron.
