Six leading cancer charities across Wales have come together for the first time today, as the Wales Cancer Alliance, to present their key manifesto calls in the run up to the National Assembly for Wales elections. Established in 2006, this is the Alliance’s first piece of work and outlines the key development areas to provide 'world class' cancer services, research and prevention in Wales.
The Alliance presents seven key issues in the manifesto, including a Cancer Plan for Wales, more investment in the cancer workforce, improving early diagnosis, providing choice in end of life care, more investment and research in prevention and vaccines, more research and clinical trials investment and a plea to take social care more seriously. To bring to life the issues facing cancer patients in Wales, attendees of the Assembly launch will hear the moving story of a family’s cancer experience, role played by Welsh actress Karen Elli.
The Alliance strives to positively influence legislation, policy-making, resources and services to make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in Wales. Currently, the Alliance consists of Breast Cancer Care Cymru, Cancer Care Cymru, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Tenovus – the cancer charity.
Macmillan’s Cath Lindley, speaking on behalf of the Alliance, says: 'We have, for the first time, come together as separate charities because we want to build a strong and unified voice to challenge the political parties to take cancer seriously. Fulfilling the manifesto’s seven key issues is the only way the next Welsh Assembly Government can promise world class cancer services for the people of Wales. Together, we spend £15m in cancer services, research and prevention in Wales, so we know what we’re talking about. We’re at the coal-face, and we know what needs to be done.'
Copies of the manifesto are available from each of the Alliance members’ websites.
For more information on the Wales Cancer Alliance, please call Macmillan’s Press Office in Wales on 01656 867973.
Download the Wales Cancer Alliance manifesto >>[PDF, 101kb]
Download the Wales Cancer Alliance manifesto (Welsh version) >>[PDF, 114kb]
Notes to Editors
1. The manifesto will be launched on Tuesday 27 February 2007 at 6.15pm
2. The reception, with light refreshments, is sponsored by Jenny Randerson AM
3. Deputy Health Minister John Griffiths AM, Helen Mary Jones AM and Jenny Randerson AM will each respond to the manifesto and outline their party’s policies relating to cancer services and research.
4. Karen Elli is a professional Welsh actress. She has performed in several theatre productions and is best known for her role as ‘Cilla’ in Pobol y Cwm.