DRAGON LNG Group has told The Herald it is delighted to announce its charity of the year for the period from April 2023 to March 2024. Following a nomination process within the Dragon team, 14 notable charities from Pembrokeshire were selected, and a vote determined the recipient. The Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal emerged as the chosen charity, garnering an impressive 33% of the votes. Established in 2009, this registered charity operates entirely with the assistance of volunteers. Its primary objective is to raise funds that will be invested in essential facilities and equipment for the Cancer Day Unit in Haverfordwest, where a dedicated team of clinicians and nurses provide invaluable support and healthcare services to cancer patients in Pembrokeshire.

To ensure that the unit’s requirements are met, the charity exclusively supplies equipment that is specifically requested by the hospital staff. This year, the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal successfully replaced 12 treatment room chairs with brand-new, highly adaptable chairs at a cost of £36,000. These chairs are designed to provide enhanced comfort to patients during their treatment. Additionally, the charity recently procured a state-of-the-art ‘vein finder’ device, significantly reducing the stress and pain associated with cannulation. Ongoing support from the charity includes funding for skills development in haematology, as well as financial assistance for a counselling service catering to cancer patients.

In addition to their work within the unit, the charity has also launched a dedicated website, www.kipp.tips, aimed at providing a wealth of information to cancer patients in Pembrokeshire. The website covers topics such as financial matters, transportation, access to information, and much more.

Dragon’s Social and Wellbeing Committee recently welcomed Bernie George and Margaret Bond to the Dragon family, offering an opportunity to discuss the charity and familiarise themselves with Dragon’s fundraising plans for the upcoming year. One of the key events on the calendar is the second charity golf day, scheduled for Friday, 28th July.

Margaret Bond, Chairperson for the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, expressed gratitude, stating, “As a charity, we are immensely grateful that Dragon LNG has chosen us as their charity of the year. This support and the funds raised will help us to continue providing assistance to patients during such a difficult and stressful period in their lives. Both the staff and patients find comfort in the fact that, in consultation with them, we prioritise meeting specific needs and supplying the latest personal equipment, which is crucial in preventing infections. We heavily rely on the input from the unit’s staff and the patients’ feedback when making any purchases.”

Simon Ames, Managing Director of Dragon, proudly commented on the commitment shown by the Dragon team, saying, “I am extremely proud of the staff at Dragon for their unwavering support within the community and the passion they demonstrate for our chosen charities and fundraising events. Cancer has impacted almost all of our lives, whether directly or indirectly through our loved ones. Currently experiencing it within my own family, I am acutely aware of the devastating effects it can have. This is why supporting patients and assisting them in overcoming the immense challenges they face is of paramount importance.”

For further information about the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, please visit their website at www.whcduappeal.co.uk or contact them via telephone on 01646 698736.