#morgans-army — Public Fediverse posts

CANCER STRATEGY: ‘It cannot become another document that sits on a shelf’ — children’s cancer charity’s message as Wales plans its first national strategy in 20 years

A children’s cancer charity that has stood beside hundreds of families across south Wales has welcomed plans for the country’s first national cancer strategy in two decades — with a warning attached.

“For the families we support, this cannot simply become another document that sits on a shelf,” Morgan’s Army said in a statement responding to the announcement.

The charity was founded by the family of Morgan Ridler, who died of cancer aged just three — a little boy whose story moved thousands across Wales, with tributes from rugby stars, TV presenters and communities far beyond his hometown.

Led by Morgan’s mum Natalie Ridler, it now provides practical, emotional and financial help to families dealing with childhood cancer — and each April the Gorseinon 10K turns the town into a sea of colour in his memory, drawing more than 800 runners.

In its statement, the charity said it had seen parents forced to choose between earning a wage and being at their child’s bedside, siblings quietly putting their own childhoods on hold, and families travelling hundreds of miles for treatment “worrying about where they’ll sleep and how they’ll pay for tomorrow”.

“These are the realities that don’t always appear in statistics, but they shape every family’s cancer journey,” it said.

For the strategy to matter, the charity said, it must mean earlier diagnoses, faster access to treatment, better support for children’s cancer services, practical help with travel and accommodation, compassionate psychological support — and “care that recognises every member of the family, not just the patient”.

“If this strategy can spare even one family from unnecessary suffering, reduce even one delay in diagnosis, or make one parent’s journey a little less lonely, then it has the potential to leave a legacy that reaches far beyond healthcare.”

The first national strategy since 2006

The Welsh Government announced this week it is developing a 10-year National Cancer Strategy to transform how the disease is prevented, diagnosed and treated in Wales.

Cancer is Wales’s biggest killer, and one in two people will be affected in their lifetime — yet the government itself acknowledges the performance of cancer services “continues to lag behind where it should be”.

Cabinet Minister for Health and Care Mabon ap Gwynfor said a lack of national direction had “compromised the fight against cancer for too long” — Wales has not had a national cancer strategy since 2006.

“In the two decades since, treatments have transformed, diagnostic technology has advanced, the needs of our population have changed, and our understanding of cancer has deepened dramatically,” he said.

The strategy promises a focus on prevention, earlier diagnosis and “optimal pathways” for every cancer type from diagnosis to end-of-life care — with strengthened accountability so that, in the government’s words, a person’s postcode no longer determines the quality of their care.

A formal call for evidence will give patients, carers, clinicians, charities and the public a direct role in shaping it, alongside the Wales Cancer Alliance’s more than thirty member charities and international partners including the European Cancer Organisation.

Publication is timed for World Cancer Day — 4 February 2027.

Help with travel already on the way

One measure already in motion speaks directly to Morgan’s Army’s plea: work has begun on a travel and accommodation fund for children and young people attending cancer appointments.

The government is also developing “Right to be Forgotten” principles to help cancer survivors access financial services such as insurance, and commissioning a feasibility study for a new Rapid Diagnostic Centre in Powys.

Mr ap Gwynfor said: “For patients waiting too long for diagnosis, for families in rural communities who face greater barriers to care, and for the clinicians working hard to deliver world-class treatment with insufficient national coordination, this strategy matters.”

The region’s cancer infrastructure has been in the news throughout the summer: NHS Wales wants to turn a former DVLA call centre at Swansea Vale into a factory making injectable cancer medicines, while a Bridgend woman who packed her own bag before chemotherapy at Singleton is now making “Bailey’s Bags” for others starting treatment.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

RUN FOR MORGAN: Emotional Gorseinon 10K set to honour little boy who touched a nation
The race run each April in Morgan Ridler’s memory.

BRIDGEND: ‘You are not alone’ — the woman making ‘Bailey’s Bags’ of chemo essentials
Handed over the day treatment is confirmed.

SWANSEA VALE: Former DVLA call centre could become NHS factory making cancer medicines
Injectable cancer medicines for hospitals across south and west Wales.

SUN SAFETY: One childhood sunburn can double melanoma risk
Swansea Bay’s skin cancer team on staying safe in the heat.

#Cancer #MorganRidler #MorganSArmy #WelshGovernment

RUN FOR MORGAN: Emotional Gorseinon 10K set to honour little boy who touched a nation

The Gorseinon 10K and 2K Fun Run returns on April 12, raising vital funds for Morgan’s Army — the charity founded in memory of Morgan Ridler, who tragically died from cancer aged just three.

Morgan’s story moved thousands across Wales, with tributes pouring in from rugby stars, TV presenters and communities far beyond his hometown. His legacy now lives on through the charity set up by his family — supporting children with cancer and families facing unimaginable challenges.

And now, that legacy will take centre stage on the streets of Gorseinon.

Jessica crosses the finish line with a smile as crowds cheer on runners at the Gorseinon 10K.

More than 800 runners are expected to take part in this year’s event — but organisers say it’s about far more than a race.

“This event means everything to us,” said Morgan’s mum and charity founder Natalie Ridler.

“It’s about remembering Morgan and other children taken too soon… and showing families they are not alone.”

From emotional tributes to powerful moments of remembrance, the day promises to be one of the most moving community events of the year.

Abi celebrates at the finish line after completing the Gorseinon 10K in front of a packed crowd.Male runner wearing a white vest and race number 44 breaks through the finish tape at the end of a road race, with spectators watching.Young runners William and Jac cross the finish line together in a heartwarming moment during the family-friendly event.Supporters line the route with handmade signs to cheer on participants at the Gorseinon 10K.

Funds raised will go directly towards Morgan’s Army’s work supporting families dealing with childhood cancer — providing practical, emotional and financial help — as well as helping Tŷ Hafan deliver vital care to children with life-limiting conditions.

The event itself has grown rapidly into a major date in the local calendar.

Alongside the 10K race, a 2K fun run will open the event up to families, children and all abilities — ensuring everyone can be part of something special.

A packed race village, live atmosphere and huge local turnout are all expected — turning the town into a sea of colour, noise and emotion.

Backed by headline sponsor Brisco Williams and supported by partners including Sinclair Group UK, the event has become a powerful show of what community spirit can achieve.

But at its core, one message stands above all.

Every step, every cheer and every finish line crossed is for Morgan — and for the families still facing the fight he never got the chance to finish.

The Gorseinon 10K & 2K Fun Run takes place on April 12 — with entries filling fast.

#10kRun #2kFunRun #BriscoGorseinon10k #Charity #Gorseinon #MorganRidler #MorgansArmy #sport