Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has praised the work being carried out by a new support centre for families facing childhood cancers after visiting the Colwyn Bay based facility this week.
Darren visited The Joshua Tree Project in Penrhos Manor, Colwyn Bay, to find out more about the help and support they are providing at the centre, which opened in November.
Formerly based in Mochdre, the charity has supported over 150 families affected by childhood cancer across North Wales since 2018.
The new facility at Penrhos Manor is enabling The Joshua Tree to expand its reach and provide more families with access to vital services, such as counselling, art and play therapy, family events, outdoor activities, and parent wellbeing sessions.
During his visit, Darren met with staff Manon, Lea and Nia, as well as those who are currently receiving treatment, in remission and bereaved families too.
He also spoke with families who were attending a session to make dreamcatchers with a local artist where they were able to incorporate their therapy beads that they have received during treatment.
Speaking after the visit, Darren said:
“The support The Joshua Tree provides to families facing childhood cancer is truly wonderful and I am thrilled that this new centre will enable them to help even more families in North Wales.
“Cancer devastates lives at whatever age, but to watch a child suffer from cancer is heartbreaking and impacts not just the person diagnosed, but the entire family. Whilst I am sure friends and family are an immense support at this difficult time, having support on hand from people who understand exactly what you are going through is invaluable.
“Visiting the centre and speaking with families gave me a greater understanding of just how important the service The Joshua Tree provides are.
“With families from North Wales having to travel to Liverpool and Manchester for treatment and support, I was told having this vital support closer to home is much appreciated by all those accessing the services.
“I enjoyed meeting all the team on my visit, and of course all the courageous young people and their families. They are going through so much but are doing it with a smile on their face and I would say that much of that is down to the help and support they are getting from The Joshua Tree.
“I heard some moving and inspirational stories during my visit, one being from Jasmine Lee, who was at the centre with her nana Trish Roberts. Jasmine is undergoing treatment, but despite this has found the time and strength to set up her own charity – Jazzysgestures.”
Darren added:
“The new centre is a result of community fundraising, donations and grants, so I would like to thank all those who played a part.
“I would also like to thank and applaud all the team at the new centre for the fantastic work they are doing and for inviting me to visit, and in particular the founders of The Joshua Tree, Lynda and David Hill, who set up the charity after their son’s leukaemia diagnosis.
“We are very fortunate to have such an impressive support centre locally and I wish the team every success as they continue to develop and expand the centre’s offer.”
