Charity

Pembrokeshire woman backs campaign to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer

Published

1 month ago

October 8, 2025

A WOMAN from Pembrokeshire in South West Wales is using her personal experience to help raise awareness of a new campaign from the charity, Make 2nds Count, ahead of Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness day on October 13.

The ‘Truth Be Told’ campaign is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and was created in recognition of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK, but remains under-recognised and under-discussed. It’s an incurable form of cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, often bringing immense emotional, physical and mental toll to patients and their families. An estimated 1,000 women in the UK die from the disease every month.

Mandy Smith, 53, was diagnosed de novo secondary breast cancer just over four years ago, meaning the cancer had already spread from the breast to her spine at the time of diagnosis. Her discovery was completely accidental.

She said: “My lively 12-year-old elbowed me in the chest, and after a few days, it was still really sore, so I thought I’d better get it checked. I’d always been someone who checked my chest regularly.

“That’s when they found three hidden lumps – they only came up because of the swelling from the elbow. In hindsight, I had other symptoms, but because I have fibromyalgia, the fatigue and aches were disguised.

“It’s changed everything. Emotionally, it’s been huge – I never used to be anxious, but now I get stressed, especially around scan results or even just thinking about the future.

“Physically, I’ve changed a lot – I lost my hair, eyebrows, lashes. My body looks and feels different. Treatment’s caused heart problems, thyroid issues, early menopause – just daily life is harder now.

“It’s affected my relationships and friendships, too. I had to give up work, which was a big deal for me. I’ve got two kids still living at home, so financially it’s been really tough. I can’t just do things spontaneously anymore – everything has to be planned.

“As hard as it’s been, it’s made me reflect on what really matters. I’ve met amazing people through cancer communities – the friendships have been incredible. It’s made me focus on the good. I can’t control everything, but I can choose to focus on what brings me joy.

“At first, I didn’t think I wanted my portrait taken. I’m not that confident anymore, especially with how my body’s changed. But then I thought – I’m still here.

“The treatment has been brutal, but I’m still standing. That means something. It felt empowering. Yes, I felt vulnerable – but I also felt proud. It’s about showing strength, survival, and what secondary breast cancer really looks like.”

As part of the campaign the charity undertook a new YouGov survey which showed that 47% of adults in Wales have never heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and 37% don’t know what any of the signs and symptoms are, despite it being leading cause of death for UK women between the ages of 40-59.

Figures of how many women and men are actually living with the disease are estimated because data collection is inaccurate and patchy across the UK. Audits are being attempted across some of the four nations with only Northern Ireland currently having accurate data, so that services and support can be more adequately provided.

Despite the charity’s ongoing drive to improve awareness, the statistics also indicate regional uncertainty around the disease. 29% of adults in Wales believe secondary (metastatic) breast cancer can (wrongly) be cured and only 20% selected the correct range “1,000 to 1999” for the approximate number of people secondary (metastatic) breast cancer kills every month.

Make 2nds Count is a UK patient and family focused charity dedicated to supporting those affected by secondary (metastatic) breast cancer also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’.

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, said: “Truth Be Told is more than an awareness initiative – it’s a movement of empowerment which aims to give hope.

“This disease is real, relentless – and invisible to so many. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in Wales are heard, respected, and supported.

“This research shows that a high percentage of adults in Wales have never even heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer even though approximately 1,000 people die UK wide every month from the disease.

“We’re here to change that and give a voice to the unseen struggles of this community and show their strength through our campaign.”

The poll also highlighted that 36% of adults in Wales didn’t know if men can get secondary (metastatic) breast cancer or not.

At the heart of Truth Be Told is a striking collection of photographic portraits, including Mandy, by renowned Irish photographer Jennifer Willis, which give a candid look at the lived experience of those with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and capture the strength, vulnerability, and authenticity of those individuals living with the disease in an unfiltered way.

The campaign is part of the charity’s broader vision to support people with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer live longer and better lives. It provides advice about treatment options and clinical trials, connects patients through peer-to-peer and online support groups, wellbeing activities, and retreats and funds research, supporting more than 2,000 patients a year.

For more information about the Truth Be Told campaign or to get involved, visit the Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025 page.

Charity

Mid and West Wales volunteers recognised for supporting St John’s lifesaving vision

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A VOLUNTEER who has dedicated 60 years to volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru was among those recognised at the charity’s Mid and West Wales Regional Awards for 2025.

The ceremony, which was recently held in Swansea, saw a range of volunteers and staff receive awards and commendations for their work in a range of fields from responding to emergencies to securing funds from trusts and foundations to support the charity’s work.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Assistant Chief Commissioner (Mid and West Wales), Beth Francis OStJ said: “This ceremony gave us a valuable opportunity to come together to celebrate the great work of St John People from across our Mid and West Wales counties of Dyfed, West Glamorgan and Powys and all they have contributed to their communities.

“The number and quality of the nominations we received was a reminder of the positive impact the charity has on a daily basis, and I know the panel had a difficult task in choosing the winners from the strong list of contenders.”

***Julie Carrod, Deputy Commissioner for Powys received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is pictured here with Mike Francis, Commissioner for Powys, Mike Francis***

Eunice O’Hara received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service as part of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Fishguard and Haverfordwest Divisions.

Her long and distinguished career as a volunteer and fundraiser saw her become an Officer of the Order of St John, as well as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards with the title Eunice Urdd Sant Ioan (Eunice of St John) to signify her synonymity with the charity she has dedicated so much effort to supporting.

Another significant award presented during the ceremony was the Gerallt Davies MBE CStJ Memorial Award, presented in memory of the former paramedic and National Paramedic Officer for St John Ambulance Cymru, who sadly died in 2020.

Eunice O’Hara pictured here with Andy King, County Commissioner for Dyfed, received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service on behalf of St John Ambulance Cymru

The cup is awarded to a St John Person who is active, dedicated, professional and aims to maintain and develop the highest standards whilst engaging and leading their colleagues. It is judged by an independent panel made up of external partners and members of Gerallt’s family.

The runner up, who received commendation for their impact was Gwion Morgan of Dyfed County, while the winner was Sam Davies, Operations Manager for Dyfed County, who also scooped the Volunteer of the Year Award.

There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award for Will Wall of the Abertawe Division in West Glamorgan, who has been a devoted member since 1988. In this time he supported events at Swansea’s Vetch Field for other three decades and has subsequently been on duty to support 200 games at the Swansea.com Stadium, as well as other events across the county.

Julie Carrod was the other recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, having dedicated almost 30 years of service to St John Ambulance Cymru in a range of roles including first responder, County Training Manager and Deputy Commissioner in Powys.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru and to sign-up to volunteer with the charity, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Charity

£2,250 boost for Pembrokeshire dementia services

Published

4 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MILFORD HAVEN runner has raised more than two thousand pounds for dementia services in Pembrokeshire after completing this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon.

Sam Dolling crossed the finish line on Saturday, October 5, in a time of 1:55:42, smashing his own expectations both on the course and in fundraising. His final total of £2,250 exceeded what he had hoped to achieve.

Sam joked that he had “hounded friends and family via social media” in the run-up to the race – but said the biggest donations came from an unexpected source: friends who still owed him money from a golf trip.

He described the challenge as “rewarding” and said it even helped him stick to a training plan “for the first time ever”.

‘Incredible amount’ raised

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A big thank you to Sam for choosing to run the Cardiff Half Marathon for Hywel Dda Health Charities and raising money for dementia services in Pembrokeshire, a service that is close to your heart. You raised an incredible amount! Thank you so much for your support and thanks to everyone who sponsored you.

“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.”

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support NHS patients and staff locally, visit their website.

Charity

Milford Haven student aims high with Kilimanjaro climb for Amnesty International

Published

1 week ago

November 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Oxford University student Lily Walters to tackle Africa’s tallest mountain in 2026 charity challenge

A MILFORD HAVEN student, formerly a pupil at Haverfordwest High, is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime as she takes on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Amnesty International UK.

Lily Walters has signed up for the UK Kilimanjaro 2026 Student Challenge, which will take place from August 25 to September 3, 2026. She is aiming to raise £4,970 for the human rights charity, which campaigns for justice, equality and freedom across the world.

Lily said: “This challenge isn’t just about pushing myself outside my comfort zone — it’s about making a difference too. Every donation, big or small, will help me reach my target and support Amnesty International UK’s important work.”

So far, Lily has raised £145 from seven supporters, with donations continuing to come in through her JustGiving page. Messages of encouragement have included: “Go for it, girl!”, “Fantastic news, Lily — wishing you all the very best,” and “We are so proud of you!”

The nine-day trek will see students from across the UK journey to Africa to climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, reaching an altitude of almost 6,000 metres (19,000 feet). The challenge tests both physical endurance and mental strength, and participants are expected to train for months before departure.

Funds raised will go directly to Amnesty International UK (RCN 1051681), whose campaigns focus on issues such as refugees, children’s rights, women’s rights, and conflict-affected communities.

Those wishing to support Lily’s fundraising can visit her JustGiving page at:
👉 justgiving.com/fundraising/uk-kilimanjaro-25th-august-2026-student-choseachallenge-690a50b1eff9e

Determined student: Milford Haven’s Lily Walters, who studies at Oxford University, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2026 to raise funds for Amnesty International (Pic: JustGiving).