Hywel Dda Health Charities on fundraising by Emma Evans

Council worker and mum-of-two Emma Evans is raising money for the Bronglais Chemo Appeal in memory of her husband Gareth and as a thank you to hospital staff who she says were “amazing” and “do such a fantastic job”.

Builder Gareth Evans sadly passed away in March 2020, aged just 45, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer which had spread to his liver.

Gareth, who was also a football referee and played for Crannog FC, was treated at the chemotherapy day unit in Bronglais Hospital for two years, receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“Having a chemotherapy unit close to home is so important and that is why I am supporting the appeal for a new, purpose-built chemotherapy day unit at Aberystwyth,” said Emma, 41, of Pontgarreg, who has a daughter Ella, 19, and a son Luke, 15. “It meant I could support Gareth, while still working and being with our two children.

“I wanted to raise money to thank staff at Bronglais Hospital. Over the two years Gareth and I spent up at the chemotherapy unit, the staff were amazing. We were given such a welcome. It is a place so close to our hearts.”

Emma has already raised more than £3,000 for the chemotherapy unit and you can still donate at https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/pf/emma-evans-garethevans-57cb5

She added: “While the care was the best, the chemotherapy unit was small and there were privacy issues. So, a new day unit would be great news for patients and for staff. I hope my fundraising will help to raise awareness and show how grateful we are as a family to all the staff.”

The Bronglais Chemo Appeal was launched by Hywel Dda Health Charities at the end of November last year, with the aim of raising the final £500,000 needed for construction to start on a fit-for-the-future chemotherapy day unit at Bronglais Hospital for cancer patients from Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Powys.

One in two people across Wales will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime; it is a condition which sadly affects nearly all families. Over 60 people a week receive vital anti-cancer treatment at Bronglais Hospital, a total of around 300 people a year from mid, west and north Wales.

The development of a new unit will cost in the region of £2.2m, with a total of nearly £1.7m already confirmed for the scheme, largely thanks to the generosity of our local communities.

If you would like to get involved with the appeal, you can find further information, set up an online fundraising page or donate at www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

You can also donate direct to the appeal at https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/bronglais-chemo-appeal