Sunflowers, Trains and Trails

A few weeks ago, I met Helen Davies, the Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator at Lingen Davies Cancer Support in Newtown. I have known about some of the work that Lingen Davies Cancer Fund does for some time and both Helen and I were keen to meet up for a more in-depth conversation.

Deb Justice (left) with Helen Davies (right)

Over coffee, Helen and I explored how the Cambrian Railway Partnership and Lingen Davies might work together to raise awareness and improve lives. I explained about my role and the work the Cambrian Railway Partnership does with the communities along the line. Lingen Davies supports people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales as they navigate the impact of cancer.

Our conversation began with Bins for Boys, a project tackling the lack of sanitary bins in men’s restrooms. Men with pads, pouches, stomas, catheters or colostomy and ileostomy bags often face embarrassment and discomfort when no proper disposal units are available.

Key points of Bins for Boys:

●      Encouraging pubs, cafés, leisure centres and workplaces across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales to install sanitary bins in male toilets

●      Reducing stigma and ensuring dignity for men undergoing cancer treatment

●      Building community-wide commitment through simple, practical changes

From there we moved on to the Cancer Champions initiative. In partnership with NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB and Qube - an Oswestry community charity - Lingen Davies is training volunteers to:

●      Raise cancer awareness among groups where English isn’t the first language

●      Support peers to recognise early signs and attend screening invitations

●      Host local events and workshops, creating culturally sensitive outreach

If you would like to become a cancer champion, please contact Lingen Davies who will give you more information.

We finished our chat with Breast Awareness month which is in October. Helen explained about their Titty Trail - an 11-mile sponsored walk highlighting the importance of early detection. This year there are two routes:

●      Coastal walk from Aberystwyth

●      Countryside trek through the South Shropshire Hills

I am very excited to announce that Lingen Davies will be hosting two pop-up stalls next month on the Cambrian Line to share information and sign up walkers for the Titty Trail.

●      Tuesday, 9th September at Aberystwyth Railway Station

●      Thursday, 11th September at Shrewsbury Railway Station

We will confirm times closer to the dates. If you’re travelling the Cambrian Line or in the local area, please drop by to say hello, grab a sunflower pin, and learn how you can support these life-changing projects.

Special thanks to Transport for Wales for supporting these pop-up stalls.