Stakeholders from across rural Wales showed their support for the #NipItInTheBud campaign during a reception event in the Senedd on 13th January, hosted by The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The #NipItInTheBud campaign is part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project – a UK-wide partnership between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support. The Project is working to improve the support available to those living with cancer in farming communities and rural areas, including raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging early detection.
The event was introduced by Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, who spoke of the vital need for greater equity of cancer care in rural communities.
FCN’s Chief Executive Officer Jude McCann highlighted the work of FCN in Wales, including the hard work of FCN volunteers across the country, and more than 31,000 individuals accessing the FarmWell Wales and FarmWell Cymru websites since their launch in March 2020.
Kate Williams (Nation Lead – Wales) for Macmillan Cancer Support followed, discussing how the Project supports Macmillan’s strategy to ensure equitable access to cancer care across the UK.
FCN’s National Manager (Wales) Linda Jones introduced a short film featuring a farmer, Carol, who has had breast cancer. During the film Carol spoke of the unique challenges her diagnosis presented on the farm, and how she was able to navigate them with the support of friends and family.
John Saunders Davies, who is living with cancer, spoke after the film, sharing his story and urging others to prioritise their health. He spoke of a friend he encouraged to engage with bowel cancer screening opportunities and advocated for everyone to make use of any screening available to them. He said: “I’m not brave – I’m just somebody who wants to help other people.”
Attendees at the event included representatives from FCN, Macmillan Cancer Support, the NFU, the FUW, the CLA, Wales YFC, the DPJ Foundation, Tir Dewi, the Wales Farm Safety Partnership, Mentera, RABI, Maggies, Blood Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK.
We thank everyone who joined FCN for this important event.
