FOLEY House, a historic treasure in Haverfordwest, is being transformed into the Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre, honouring the legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas.

A meeting took place at The Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College on the future of Foley House and its history.

It was attended Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward and Chairman of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

The councillor thanked Mark Muller on the history of Foley House and Cris Tomos from PLANED on his advice for the future, as well as The Bucket Music Makers and Chris Evans-Thomas.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope was born out of one family’s journey with cancer, and the desire to turn that experience into something positive for others. Adam Evans-Thomas was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in his early twenties. Even as he faced years of treatment and uncertainty, he met everything head-on with courage, humour, and a deep care for the people around him.

Adam had a way of lifting others up, making them laugh, and reminding everyone to hold onto hope, even in the hardest moments. He sadly passed away at just 35, but the compassion and resilience he showed throughout his life continue to inspire everyone who hears his story.

Adam Evans-Thomas’s legacy lives on through the PHODU ward at Withybush Hospital, the double ICU room at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales, and the Cancer Support Centre in Haverfordwest. Now, his family and friends are taking the next step: creating a centre of excellence in Foley House to support Pembrokeshire patients with the same care, comfort, and compassion Adam received.

Foley House has an extraordinary story to tell. Designed in 1791 by the great John Nash - later architect of Regent Street, Regent’s Park, Brighton Pavilion and parts of Buckingham Palace it stands as a proud reminder of Pembrokeshire’s rich and influential past. This was a place shaped by great minds, deep harbours, naval power, and legendary visitors such as Admiral Nelson and the captivating Emma Hamilton.

This Georgian treasure is being reborn as the Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre, a place where heritage meets healing.

The charity’s vision is to restore this grand Georgian house to its former glory, sensitively renovated in period style while fully adapted for modern needs. Lifts, excellent facilities, and calm, elegant resting spaces will ensure the building is welcoming and accessible for all, especially patients with limited mobility.

All current cancer support services will continue and expand, including dental services and treatments no longer available through the NHS.

Foley House will also become a vibrant hub for wellbeing and creativity - offering space for singing, seated and gentle exercise, meditation, yoga, and a wide range of art and craft activities.

The charity’s much-loved ‘Buckateers’, patients and volunteers aged 70 years and over, bring joy wherever they go. Their passion for fancy dress will be embraced, with period costumes animating the house, welcoming visitors to the tea rooms and retail spaces, and bringing Georgian charm vividly to life.

Young musicians will also be invited to perform in the tea rooms, creating a truly Georgian atmosphere a delight for patients, a treat for the public, and a wonderful opportunity for emerging talent.

Above all, Foley House will be a place of hope, warmth and distraction therapy, helping patients and carers alike find light, laughter and relief when they need it most.