I had the enormous pleasure of meeting Monmouthshire resident Debra Montague last Wednesday at a #CatchUpWithCancer parliamentary event in Westminster Hall. Debra was diagnosed with ALK-positive lung cancer in October 2016, which she told me was a huge shock as her only symptom was a cough and she had never smoked. Since diagnosis, she was walked a marathon, abseiled down Liverpool Cathedral, ridden the longest and fastest zip wire in Europe, and jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet! Debra is founder and chair of the UK’s only ALK-positive lung cancer charity, which supports patients, their family and friends. She is extremely passionate about her work and is doing a fantastic job of advocating for improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and care of this disease so people with ALK-positive lung cancer can live a long and fulfilling life. As a patient group, ALK+ UK is helping to change the face of lung cancer and end the stigma through support, empowerment and advocacy. For more information, visit www.alkpositive.org.uk
On behalf of everyone across Wales, I would like to wish His Majesty King Charles a speedy and full recovery as he begins treatment for cancer. Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family. His Majesty’s decision to make his diagnosis public will raise awareness for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. I look forward to his return to public duties as soon as possible.
With the Six Nations tournament underway, this is always a fantastic time of year for rugby fans. The sport is deep-rooted in our nation’s DNA and our patriotism was on full display over the weekend. I was at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff where Wales faced Scotland in their opening game. What a dramatic, thrilling and nail-biting match! It was an extraordinary display of breathless drama and skill – especially the second half – and I have never heard such a cacophony of sound from the crowd. Sadly, it wasn’t Wales’ day despite a stoic performance and a remarkable recovery that came within a point of becoming the biggest comeback in Six Nations history. Congratulations to Scotland. But Warren Gatland’s side should be incredibly proud for showing such character and fight. We have a fantastic vibrant new team building for the future. Pob lwc to captain Dafydd Jenkins and the players for the remainder of the tournament. Some are calling for a ban on rugby and boxing for young people, which would be a massive shame because these sports provide a great outlet to let off energy in a healthy way.
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon and Abergavenny Chronicle on Wednesday 07 February 2024*