MEMORIES of a much-loved Johnston postman led to £900 being raised for a local cancer support charity.

Helen James lost her well known husband in 2017 and friends and family gave an amazing £900 in lieu of flowers to show their love and respect for postman of 40 years – Trevor James.

With the completion of the new Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (known as PHODU) last Christmas, many thought that would be the end of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Appeal. Adam’s legacy was fulfilled for Withybush.

However, following an anxious meeting with patients, volunteers and carers, as to what they saw as the future of the charity – it was overwhelmingly stated that they needed the support offered to continue.

The past year has seen the numbers using the venue increase and lots of ideas coming from the ‘Buckateers’ as to how they see their venue developing.

The number of therapists employed by the venue has increased from two to five, and, alongside the therapists there are eight counsellors using the centre, from Cruse Bereavement and Seren.

The week revolves around the popular coffee mornings where patients try different activities from art and craft, music, gardening, to listening to exciting visiting speakers.

But the most popular pastime for the patient (Buckateers) is organising outings and parties where the best medicine of all is to be obtained – friendship and laughter!

Adam’s mother, Chris Evans-Thomas said: “Distraction therapy is the most powerful treatment of all – I have told all about Adam filming for Wales this Week whilst going through his autologous transplant. Inside his sterile ‘Bubble’ the TV company had connected a camera for him to use to record his daily diary. He was so busy concentrating on what he had to say that the dreadful treatment he was undergoing was almost forgotten about – the staff were amazed at how he sailed through a horrendous few months!”

The next big ‘distraction’ for the Buckateers is the production of a short documentary that should be ready for their 25th anniversary next year.

The small choir made up of patients, nurses and one doctor, called Hope and Glory, will be performing Sam Howley’s new work, especially written for them, called “Light” and already the excitement is growing amidst deciding venues and the all-important outfits.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Support Venue is manned by approximately 36 volunteers, 60 per cent being patients. They are especially proud that their hard work in recycling pays for their many treatments and trips.

Chris added: “The Buckateers have many ideas and a mobile coffee morning is earmarked for the future. The team will be saving for a minibus for the venue and Helen’s welcome donation will be going into the pot for this next venture.

“Without the generosity of Pembrokeshire people like Helen, her friends and family we would not be able to do what we do,” said Chris. “We really appreciate people thinking of us – Thank you!”

If you would like to join the Buckateers or become a volunteer please contact the venue for more information 01437 779400 or adamsbucketfulofhope@yahoo.co.uk