Macmillan Cancer Support grant helped Adam’s Bucketful of Hope create garden retreat to tackle loneliness among people living with cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support has helped a Pembrokeshire cancer charity create a garden retreat to tackle loneliness among people living with cancer.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, based in Haverfordwest, is a charity that offers dedicated support and distraction activities to people living with a cancer diagnosis who, with support from Macmillan, created a dedicated outdoor space to ensure face-to-face support continued during the pandemic .

The charity was founded by Chris Evans-Thomas in memory of her son Adam, who sadly died of leukaemia in 2004, aged 35.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope is volunteer-run and offers organised activities, social events such as visits, concerts, parties and support through pampering sessions, podiatry, and counselling, as well as dedicated lymphoedema relief for patients living with this long-term condition.  The charity’s premises also host a coffee shop, delicatessen, and a charity shop.

When the Welsh Government’s initial response measures to the Coronavirus pandemic came into place, the charity’s distraction centre closed, and all face-to-face meetings and direct support were cancelled.

Speaking about the challenge that the then-lockdown restrictions placed on the charity, Chris Evans-Thomas, said: “While taking our support online did fill an emotional gap it really was a poor replacement for our face-to-face catch ups.

“During the pandemic, we lost a small number of our group members and we didn’t have opportunity to grieve for them together. Not all our group members are online and consequently they were unable to join in our fortnightly catch ups which created an increased level of anxiety for many group members – especially those who live alone.

“As a group we spoke at length about ways in which we could start to meet up safely and the idea of a “retreat” came about.

“Our retreat, which is set in grounds in my home, is an outdoor safe space for group members to come along and meet up. They can share experiences and improve their mobility and wellbeing, as well as taking part in mindfulness sessions, gentle chair exercise and picnics.  We also encourage members to take short walks around the place with strategically placed benches for time to “stop and stare” breathers”.

When looking for a supportive organisation to help fund the special retreat, Chris approached Macmillan Cancer Support and applied for the funding for key equipment through a Macmillan support grant. These grants are open to support groups, community or voluntary organisations, health and social care professionals who support people living with, and affected by, cancer.

The Macmillan support grant enabled Adam’s Bucketful of Hope to buy equipment such as infection control patio chairs and wipe clean foldaway picnic blankets, as well some fruit trees and vegetable plants. Some plants were purchased to enable the charity to set up a ‘Plant a Memory’ garden.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope received some unusual donations too. Eight chickens and three ducks were gifted by a local animal-rescue centre.  Two donkeys, Olive and Florence, came to live at the retreat following a special request for a surprise birthday present from a partner of one of the patients who was going through a tough time with her cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Now, she and her friends can regularly visit the donkeys creating a lovely distraction during tough times.”

Speaking about the current situation for the charity, Chris, said: “Our centre in Haverfordwest is Covid-friendly. We have redecorated the inside of the charity shop, created a coffee shop and have adapted the garden craft/music shed to create a therapies studio. The studio is Covid compliant, and patients can go directly into the studio for their treatments from the car park. Situated in the walled courtyard garden away from the main body of the venue, the patients are protected and shielded from the public using the shop and coffee shop.”

Speaking about the impact of the grant, Macmillan Engagement Lead South Wales, Helen Ley said: “I’ve seen the impact that Adam’s Bucketful of Hope has on the lives of the people that it helps. There is a real bond between the members – they are friends who support one another. When the face-to-face meetups stopped there was a noticeable impact and sadly many of the members felt isolated and lonely.

“I think that Adam’s Bucketful of Hope came up with a creative yet practicable solution to isolation with the retreat idea. It’s been a great success, and I am really pleased that the retreat has longevity and will continue to support people living with cancer well beyond the pandemic.

“The Macmillan Support Grant is there for cancer support groups, community and voluntary organisations, health and social care professionals in Wales. I am very happy to chat through the application process, funding ideas and answer any questions that people may have. I can be contacted on 07811 312656 or email HLey@Macmilan.org.uk.”

If you would like to find out more about Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, there is lots of information on their Facebook page Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre, on YouTube- The story of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and on their website www.bucketfulofhope.co.uk

If you, or someone you love has cancer, Macmillan will do whatever it takes to help you right now. If you are looking for information or just want someone to talk to, get in touch on 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk