Charity

Pembrokeshire woman backs campaign to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer

Published

7 months 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

Homeless charity plans ‘safe haven’ centre with accommodation and training

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A new community project aims to tackle gaps in support for people living on the streets

A NEW community initiative is aiming to provide a “safe haven” for homeless people in west Wales, offering accommodation, training and round-the-clock support.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC has been set up by founder Dave Thomas, who said the idea came after witnessing the struggles faced by people sleeping rough in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

He described seeing individuals forced out of temporary camps, including one case where fencing was erected to prevent a homeless person returning to a former site.

Mr Thomas said: “We spoke to people who simply couldn’t access help because they had no fixed address or internet access. That was a real eye-opener.”

Research carried out by the group found that while a number of organisations provide advice and outreach support, there is a lack of safe, stable accommodation offering a full package of services.

The Herald understands that demand for housing remains high, with waiting lists for social housing stretching to around two years in some cases, particularly for those not in priority groups.

The project aims to address this by purchasing a property with land to create a multi-use support centre.

Plans include a main building with communal living areas, a kitchen, counselling rooms, IT facilities and training spaces, alongside outdoor accommodation such as bell tents and log cabins.

The site would also include recreational and work-based facilities, including a workshop, greenhouse, gym and fishing lake, designed to support wellbeing and provide opportunities for skills development.

Mr Thomas said the centre would be staffed 24 hours a day to ensure continuous support, addressing a gap where many services only operate during office hours.

The initiative also aims to become partly self-sustaining, with income generated through a small campsite, training activities and partnerships with external organisations.

Support networks are already being developed, including links with counsellors, charities and local businesses willing to offer employment opportunities to those using the service.

The organisation is being run by a team of directors alongside Mr Thomas, and is also building connections with other community projects in the region.

Mr Thomas added: “We believe this is a new and dynamic way to support homeless people. It’s about giving them not just a place to stay, but real support to rebuild their lives.”

Charity

Police cyclists to ride 75 miles in charity tribute

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE cyclists will ride 75 hilly miles across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire next week in a first-of-its-kind charity event for the force.

Around 35 riders will take part in The Chief’s Tour on Wednesday (May 6), raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports the families of police officers and police staff who have died on duty.

The route will begin at St Mary’s Church in Fishguard at around 8:00am, before heading south through Pembrokeshire to Tenby and finishing at police headquarters in Carmarthen. The ride is expected to take between eight and 11 hours.

The event will also commemorate officers and staff who died while serving with Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “This event is a moment for communities, Dyfed-Powys Police, and families to come together to remember officers and staff whose lives were sadly cut short – and ensure their memory lives on.

“It would be fantastic to see people showing their support along the route, and we welcome cyclists to join us along the way.”

Scheduled stops will include St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, at around 8:00am, Newgale beach at 9:40am, Narberth Road layby in Tenby at 1:45pm, and Cana Cemetery, Banc-y-felin, Carmarthenshire, at 4:05pm.

Mr Charles added: “It was important to me to build moments of reflection into the route to make sure we remember the Dyfed-Powys Police officers who never made it home.

“Each name we reflect upon represents dedication, courage, and the highest standard of service to the public. They remind us of what it means to put the safety of others before our own, and of the risks inherent in the oath police officers take.”

The tour is aiming to raise £1,000 for COPS. More than £600 has already been donated.

Anyone wishing to support the team can donate through the JustGiving page for Dyfed Powys Police Cyclists.

Charity

Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust thanks Blakemore for beach clean support

Published

5 days ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW EQUIPMENT TO BOOST COASTAL CLEAN-UP EFFORTS

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST has thanked the Blakemore Foundation for funding new litter-picking equipment to support beach cleaning efforts across the county.

The equipment will be used during regular beach cleans organised by the Trust, helping volunteers and business groups safely remove waste from some of Pembrokeshire’s most popular and environmentally important beaches.

The Trust said the donation would make a real difference to its coastal conservation work, particularly as more local businesses look for practical ways to support the environment.

Abi Marriot, Funding Officer for the Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Blakemore Foundation for their support. Their contribution enables us to equip participants properly, making every clean more impactful. It’s a real boost for our coastal conservation efforts.

“Our recent business-led beach cleans have proved popular, offering teams a refreshing break from the office, a chance to work together in a different environment, and a meaningful way to demonstrate their organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

“Many companies tell us that taking part strengthens team bonds while contributing to visible, positive environmental action.”

The new kit will be used at the next Pembrokeshire Business Big Beach Clean, which will take place at Freshwater West on Thursday, June 4, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

The event will give local businesses the chance to work together, connect with other organisations, and help protect one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Trust is also welcoming suggestions for future autumn clean-up locations as it plans its next focus areas.

Booking for the Freshwater West event is essential. Businesses wishing to take part can reserve a place by contacting Abi at [email protected] or calling 07773 788196.