#TeamIrfon is a campaign set up by myself, Irfon Williams and wife Becky to raise £20k to support the Alaw Unit in Ysbyty Gwynedd where I am currently receiving treatment for bowel cancer.
Through #teamirfon we want to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health whilst living with cancer. This is close to our heart as both Becky and I are psychiatric nurses by profession.
Cancer affects mental health, but having access to complementary therapies and counselling services can really help patients and families living with a cancer diagnosis. I know these important, extra services which are funded through donations can really help to reduce the negative impact that cancer has on our mental health.
Becky and I have set up #teamirfon to create good times and to thank all those on the Alaw Unit who provide fantastic support during the bad times. In the last few months I’ve seen how incredible the nurses on Alaw are, but incredible care needs incredible support. The Alaw Unit needs over £150,000 in donations a year to fund basic but important extras which help brighten patients’ days.
The number of people with cancer is increasing. By 2020, almost one in two people will get cancer. Over 1,500 people with cancer were looked after on the Alaw Unit last year, and they are looking after me this year.
I want to make sure the fantastic staff on Alaw can go on providing the incredible extra care, treatment and research that is funded through Awyr Las for many years to come. I’ve been moved by many of the courageous ladies I met who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, and I want to show my respect for them by launching my fundraising with a ‘wigathon’.
While the wigs I'll be wearing are wacky, donations to the Alaw Unit through Awyr Las help provide bespoke, specialist wigs and headwear for patients who lose their hair as a result of treatment.
So let the good times roll – support me in my crazy venuture to raise money and help me out by organising your own fun stuff. Make my day and become a part of #teamirfon.