AmeriCymru: Croeso i AmeriCymru Bethan and thanks for agreeing to be interviewed about the vital work that you do. Care to introduce Tenovus for the benefit of our readers? When was it founded? What does it do?

Bethan: In 1943, Tenovus was founded by ten businessmen. Initially, the charity funded a wide range of projects in the local area. These ranged from building the Sunshine House for Blind Babies just outside Cardiff, to donating a washing machine to a widow with seven children who had lost an arm.

In the 1960s, Tenovus embarked on a project which was to influence our work for the next 40 years. We built the Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research in Cardiff which carried out vital research into the causes of cancer. Since then, we have concentrated our efforts on cancer and are now recognised for our pioneering work.

Today we are Wales leading cancer charity and work in partnership to deliver innovative research-led cancer prevention, treatment and support in the community.

We aim to provide treatment to cancer patients closer to home, improve equality of access to cancer services, deliver unique support services to cancer patients and their families and conduct and fund research to improve cancer outcomes and experience.

We support people affected by cancer throughout their journey from diagnosis to bereavement and beyond in the following ways:

• A Freephone Cancer Support Line operated by cancer nurses and volunteers to offer information, advice and support about all aspects of cancer. It is worth noting that in the early 1990s Tenovus was one of the first charities to establish a helpline manned by oncology nurse specialists, unique at the time.

• Cancer Support Advisors advise about benefits, tax credits and other grants for those affected by cancer.
• Counsellors give on to one emotional support, either face to face or by telephone.
• Cancer Support Manager assist with complex problems such as family concerns of housing crises.
• Bereavement support, either on a one to one basis or within a supportive group setting.
• Help with accessing other services such as wig fitting, legal advice, employment assistance and complementary therapies.

Bethan: You are correct in thinking that we are a Welsh charity with our head office in Cardiff however Tenovus in Scotland is a totally independent charity with no connection to us. The charity was established on the 1960s and was given permission to use the name Tenovus and our concepts by out Trustees at the time. Tenovus Scotland is a medical research charity but unlike us it does not concentrate on cancer.

AmeriCymru: What have been the charities major achievements over the years?

Bethan: Tenovus established a world first when it launched, in 2009, the Mobile Cancer Support Unit which delivers chemotherapy for up to 25 patients a day close to their homes, drastically reducing their journey times. It currently holds a chemotherapy clinic four times a week and a lymphedema clinic one day a week. Staff on the unit also offers legal advice, practical information and emotional support to patients.

Tenovus has been at the forefront of endocrine therapy which aims to treat cancer by suppressing the hormones which feed cancer cells. Our scientists developed the use of Tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, now used worldwide, and Zoladex which treats prostate cancer.

Tenovus is also extremely proud of the early career research scientists we have helped to support and train through our PhD studentship funding programme which have benefitted close to 200 students. We now have nine active PhD studentships throughout Wales, with a further ten due to start in September. These projects not only aim to find new ways to detect and treat cancer, they also help to nurture the next generation of world class cancer researchers.

We are delighted that one of our PhD students, Luke Piggott from Cardiff University has recently identified a method of selectively destroying the ability of breast cancer cells to spread, particularly killing hard to treat cancers. This innovative discovery will potentially benefit many people affected by cancer.

AmeriCymru: How can people get involved and support your work?

Bethan: Of course Tenovus could not continue with its work without our fundraisers, each one is greatly appreciated and valued. We have a number of events that people can take part in, raising vital sponsorship.

This of course includes our Himalaya Trek and Delhi community project assisting at adult cancer facility.

AmeriCymru: You recently advertised the extremely exciting 'Himalayas Trek and Delhi Project'? on this site. Care to tell us more about this venture?

Bethan: This adventure in the Himalayas provides a unique opportunity to experience Indian culture and see some of the most breath-taking views on the planet. Starty off by spending time at a project in Delhi where you will assist at a project which supports cancer patients and their families. Then set off on a 4-day trek in the Himalayas passing fascinating villages and meeting local people.

AmeriCymru: Tenovus is involved in a number of other innovative community initiatives. Can you tell us more about the 'Sing With Us' program?

Bethan: The Tenovus Sing for Life Choir was initially started in 2010 to measure the health and psychosocial benefits of singing for cancer patients and their families. Research demonstrated that each choir member benefited from an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing with reduction of anxiey and depression and most surprisingly, perceived pain.

The choir has since developed into a strong support network for its 80 strong members who continue to meet on a weekly basis in the South Wales Valleys. Due to the success of this choir, we have secured funding to launch another 15 choirs across Wales and currently have choirs in Cardiff, Swansea and Cwmbran.

Our other wellbeing therapies include Walk with Us, a walking group for cancer patients and their families, Create with Us and arts and crafts group and Write with Us a writing group for cancer patients.

AmeriCymru: Where can readers go online to find more information about Tenovus and its activities?

Bethan: To find out more about Tenovus and how you can get involved please visit our website www.tenovus.org.uk

AmeriCymru: Any final message for the readers and members of AmeriCymru?

Bethan: Croesawa Tenovus eich cefnogaeth a byddwn yn falch o glywed oddi wrthych. Diolch yn fawr a dymuniadau gorau.

Himalayas by Piotr Wojtkowski