TWO Haverfordwest-based cancer support charities have come together to explore ways of raising additional funds to help finance the planned facilities upgrade for cancer patients at Withybush Hospital.

At a recent meeting - prompted by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s plan to expand the footprint of the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) at Withybush and undertake a major upgrade of Ward 10 facilities - representatives from the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope agreed to work with the Health Board to help finalise funding plans for both projects.

Thanks to the generosity of Pembrokeshire residents, much of the funding for the CDU expansion is in place, with £160,000 already committed by the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and £145,000 from Adam’s Bucketful of Hope. The Health Board has confirmed a further £300,000 from its Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund. All parties have agreed to continue their fundraising to enable the project to begin as soon as possible.

The project to upgrade Ward 10 as a designated cancer ward remains on track, with an additional £250,000 committed by the Health Board for this part of the initiative, again from its Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund.

Sue Lewis, County Director of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, appealed for the people of Pembrokeshire to continue their support for the charities and the Health Board’s fund.