Meet the Wrexham residents dedicating their time to helping those living with cancer during the pandemic

Two Wrexham residents are volunteering their time to provide support to people living with cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jackie Evans and Lucy Jones will be speaking to people living with cancer, who might be feeling anxious or lonely, over the phone each week through a new Macmillan support scheme.

The telephone buddies programme has been designed to help provide regular support to people living with cancer, whilst following the stay at home guidelines, and helping to keep vulnerable people, and those who are shielding, safe.

Jackie Evans, a retired nurse from Penley, worked in the NHS for 46 years as a community district nurse and midwife.

In the 1990’s Jackie chose to specialise in palliative care and for the 13 years prior to retirement she worked as a Macmillan specialist nurse, working in care homes, patient homes, community hospitals and a cancer care support club.

Retirement brought Jackie to volunteering within a local community hospital and cancer information and support centre in Wrexham.

Events in Jackie’s life then led to a pause in her volunteering, until she recently returned to join Macmillan and help support people with cancer during this difficult time.

“Before I retired, I found supporting patients and their relatives very worthwhile,” explained Jackie.

“I always felt I could not alter the outcome, but I could make a difference. Everyone has a story to tell which is unique and always very interesting to listen to.

“To have the time to be able to listen, support and signpost is what I can now offer.”

Lucy Jones, a graduate Occupational Therapist from Acton, has now been volunteering with Macmillan for about a year.

Even though Lucy is juggling her volunteering role with working part-time, she’s also been able to continue her studies and placement opportunities.

Initially, Lucy started volunteering as a Macmillan buddy, providing emotional support and helping people living with cancer with certain tasks, such as shopping or picking up prescriptions.

After the start of lockdown, the service was adapted to be provided over the telephone, to keep vulnerable people with cancer safe, as well as the volunteers.

Lucy said: “Volunteering with Macmillan during this time has been invaluable in building up my knowledge of the experiences of people with cancer, which I’m sure will be greatly beneficial within my new role.

“The support and training offered by Macmillan since the very start of my time volunteering has been amazing.

“I plan to continue volunteering now that I am in practice and feel grateful that there are so many different ways to volunteer which offer lots of flexibility.”

Richard Pugh, Head of Partnerships for Macmillan in Wales, said: “We’re delighted to have Jackie and Lucy join the Macmillan volunteer team in Wales.

“The telephone buddies programme has been set up to support people living cancer during a time when they need it the most.

“I am confident that Jackie and Lucy will be able to provide a listening ear and friendly voice that could make all the difference to someone living with cancer.

“Macmillan is now relying on the public for their donations more than ever to help continue programmes like the telephone buddies, and ensure that people living with cancer do not feel alone.

“We’re asking people to give what they can.”

If you are interested in receiving local telephone support, you can register for this service here. To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support visit the website or call 0300 1000 200.

The Macmillan Support Line is open seven days a week between 8am-8pm on 0808 808 00 00.