A children's cancer charity has opened a new support centre.
The Joshua Tree's North Wales Support Centre, at Penrhos Manor in Colwyn Bay, will allow the charity to expand its reach and provide more families with access to services, such as counselling, art and play therapy, family events, outdoor activities, and parent wellbeing sessions.
The charity, which was founded in 2006 by Lynda and David Hill after their son’s leukaemia diagnosis, has supported more than 150 families affected by childhood cancer across North Wales since 2018.
Richard Driffield, chief executive, said: "We have worked in North Wales since 2018 and have seen a growing need for our services during this time, particularly as many families travel long distances to Alder Hey in Liverpool and Manchester Children's Hospital for treatment and support.
"By opening this new centre in Colwyn Bay, we’re bringing that vital support closer to home and delivering an increased number of activities.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible."
At the opening of the new centre, founders Mr and Mrs Hill cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Mrs Hill commented: "This is a momentous day for us.
"Our mission has always been to reach more families, and this new centre is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved."
The new centre has been financed by a mix of community fundraising, donations, and grants.
Fundraising has included the Ffestiniog 360 charity cycle ride, organised by John Clayton and the TiM Castell Fundraising Group, in which 130 cyclists completed a 62-mile ride through the Welsh hills to raise £5,600 for The Joshua Tree.
Individuals such as Nia and friends completed a 24-hour Three Peaks challenge, donating vouchers to furnish the new centre.
Meanwhile, Paul Thomas, headteacher of Ysgol Porth y Felin, tackled the Yr Wyddfa Three Peak Challenge to raise funds.
Mr Thomas covered 25 miles, with 3,000m of ascent, to raise more than £1,500.
In January 2024, one of The Joshua Tree trustees, Nerys Price-Jones, and long-term supporter Caroline Platt, managing director of Platts Agriculture, completed a 40-mile Arctic trek to raise funds.
Tackling sub-zero temperatures, the team raised more than £62,000 in total for The Joshua Tree.
The Freemasons also contributed "generously" to the new centre.
If you need support with a childhood cancer diagnosis, or would like to support the charity, please contact familysupport@thejoshuatree.org.uk
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