Dragon LNG Group are delighted to announce their charity of the year - as Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal.

Running from April 2023 to March 2024, the team at Dragon nominated 14 Pembrokeshire charities which they then voted on, with Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal receiving the most votes - 33%.

The registered charity, set up in 2009 is run entirely by volunteers, raising funds to invest in facilities and equipment needed by the team of clinicians and nurses in the Cancer Day Unit at Haverfordwest, who provide invaluable support and health care to cancer patients in Pembrokeshire.

All equipment supplied is requested by the team working at the hospital to ensure the needs of the unit are met.

This year the Appeal replaced 12 chairs used in the treatment rooms with brand new highly adaptable chairs at a cost of £36,000, offering increased comfort for the patients.

They have recently provided a state of the art ‘vein finder’ making cannulation less stressful and pain free.

Other ongoing support has included funding to support skills in haematology and financial support towards a counselling service for patients with cancer.

In conjunction with the work, they are carrying out for the unit, the charity is also managing an additional website www.kipp.tips.

Aimed at Pembrokeshire Cancer patients, the website provides a wealth of information including money matters, transport, access to information and much more.

Dragon’s social and wellbeing committee recently welcomed Bernie George and Margaret Bond to Dragon, which provided the opportunity to share information about the charity and to learn about Dragon’s fundraising plans for the upcoming year, including their second charity golf day being held on Friday, July 28.

Margaret Bond, Chairperson for Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal said: “As a Charity we are very grateful that Dragon LNG have chosen us as their charity of the year.

“This support and any funds raised will help to continue support to patients attending the unit at such a difficult and stressful time in their lives.

“The Staff and Patients are reassured that wherever possible in consultation with them we will in addition to specific needs and equipment for the unit, also provide them with the latest personal items of equipment.

“This is of course so important in the prevention of infection. We rely on the advice from the staff at the unit and the views of the patients when making any purchases.”

Simon Ames, managing director for Dragon, which is based at Waterston, Milford Haven, commented: “I am extremely proud of the staff at Dragon for their relentless support into the community and the passion they show for the charities and the events we hold to support them.

“Almost all of us have been impacted by cancer in our lives whether directly or through family and friends.

“As someone who is currently experiencing this in my own family I know the devastating effect it can have and why it is so important to support patients and the immense challenges they face.”

Further information about Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal can be found on their website www.whcduappeal.co.ukor by telephoning 01646 698736.