- Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones hosts afternoon tea events in support of Breast Cancer Care and local cancer charities Helping Hands Rhymney and Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil
- Events held raise over £500 for breast cancer charities
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP, Gerald Jones, this week hosted two afternoon tea events in Rhymney Day Centre and the High Street Baptist Church, Merthyr Tydfil to raise money for local charities Helping Hands and Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil, and Breast Cancer Care.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around one person diagnosed every 10 minutes. To increase awareness and raise funds, this summer Breast Cancer Care is encouraging communities across the UK to get involved and host afternoon tea events.
The funds raised at the event will partly be donated to Rhymney charity, Helping Hands, which is an independent cancer self-help group that provides support to residents in the Upper Rhymney Valley who are affected by cancer, and Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil, a local cancer charity based in Dowlais.
Speaking after the event, Gerald Jones MP said:
“I was delighted to see our community come together to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Care, Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil and Helping Hands, who all do such excellent work to support residents with cancer and those who are seriously ill. It goes to show just how much their work is appreciated by the community.
“As the most common cancer in the UK, it’s important that awareness of breast cancer is raised and those who are diagnosed with it are supported. The funds raised this week will go some way to helping support the charities’ work, patients and their families.”
Doris Shurmer, Chair of Trustees at Helping Hands said:
“This afternoon tea was an important opportunity to raise awareness of the work Helping Hands does for local residents and I was pleased with the fantastic turnout for the event.
“It’s Helping Hands’ 25th anniversary this September, and the funds raised from the event and others will help us to continue to provide our services hopefully for years to come, and will be hugely appreciated by our volunteers, patients and their families.”
Tracey Burke, Centre Manager at Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil said:
“I’m very pleased with the turnout for today’s event, and I’m very grateful to Gerald Jones and all the volunteers from Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil for allowing us to hold it here at the High Street Baptist Church today.
“Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the cause, helping us to raise awareness of the work we do and the support we can provide to people affected by cancer in our area.