The Mariners Hotel, Haverfordwest was the venue for a special evening where individuals and representatives from across Pembrokeshire were thanked for their contribution in raising over £70,000 in support of Prostate Cymru.
The evening was organised by the Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru who were formed in 2013 by the late Ray Williams OBE who became a legend in the world of rugby for his contribution in both coaching and administering the game and sadly passed away at the end of last year.
The keynote address in relation to the treatment of prostate cancer was given by Neil Fenn, Consultant Urologist, at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
When the Pembrokeshire Friends was formed one of the first challenges they gave themselves was to support the introduction of the Da Vinci Robot at the University Hospital of Wales Cardiff, which offers treatment for prostate cancer and will benefit patients across South West Wales including Pembrokeshire. Also, to raise funds to pay for the training of the surgeons who would be responsible for operating on patients from South West Wales at the new robotic surgery suite.
The Da Vinci Robot became operational at the end of last year and became accessible to prostate cancer sufferers in Pembrokeshire in March. It is the first of its kind in Wales – and one of only six globally.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation of a cheque from the Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru of £32,000 to cover the costs of the training which had been undertaken by Neil Fenn and recently commenced by his colleague Jon Featherstone who will be the surgeons responsible for operating on patients from Pembrokeshire.
In receiving the cheque Neil Fenn said “This method of treatment for prostate cancer has major benefits over traditional surgery as it is “minimally invasive”, reduced stay at hospital, quicker recovery, and better overall outcomes for patients, including those from Pembrokeshire who were already receiving treatment on the Da Vinci Robot”
It was fitting that the cheque was presented to Neil Fenn by the daughters of the late Ray Williams, Judith Griffiths and Helen Morgan. Also, present in the photograph are Lyn Murray, Founder Trustee and Tina Tew Chief Executive of Prostate Cymru, together with committee members of Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru.