Macmillan professional in Pontypridd joins Welsh celebrity supporters at The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration
A Macmillan professional who is based in Pontypridd attended The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, along with well-known Macmillan supporters.
Michelle Lloyd, Macmillan End of Life Care Modernisation Manager with Cwm Taf University Health Board, represented Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales at the event dedicated to the achievements of The Prince of Wales’ Patronages, Military affiliations and other charities supported by His Royal Highness.
Michelle, who lives in Abertysswg, was joined by three other Welsh Macmillan professionals and Welsh celebrities, David Emanuel, Iwan Thomas, and Sian Williams, along with Alison Steadman, who is best known for her role as Pam in Gavin and Stacey.
The guests were joined by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were at their first royal engagement following their wedding last month, alongside hosts, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Michelle, who is based at the Y Bwthyn Pontypridd Cottage Hospital, said: “It was a great privilege to represent Macmillan Cancer Support at the Prince of Wales’s 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration.
“It was a beautiful day and it was wonderful to meet other Macmillan Professionals and Macmillan Fundraisers, I am so grateful to have been nominated to attend.”
Each professional was nominated to attend by a member of Macmillan staff in their region, for the outstanding contribution they have provided to support people affected by cancer.
Part of Michelle’s role currently involves the development of the new Y Bwthyn specialist care unit, which is being built on the Royal Glamorgan Hospital site by Macmillan in partnership with Cwm Taf University Health Board.
The specialist eight-bed unit would provide inpatient, outpatient and day palliative care and support for people with incurable cancer and other conditions.
Michelle’s work involves the modernisation of the specialist end of life care service.
The new unit has been designed to ensure that patients have access to specialist tests and treatment in a comfortable environment, without the need for unnecessary transfers between hospitals when they are often too unwell.
Michelle said: “I am extremely grateful to have had two Macmillan roles here within Cwm Taf University Health Board, as I was previously the Macmillan Person Centred Care Manager.
“Being involved in improving care for cancer and palliative care patients has been a great honour, it has meant a lot to me personally.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan in Wales, said “I am delighted that Michelle and her fellow Macmillan professionals were able to attend The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration.
“Without the dedication and commitment of these professionals, Macmillan would not be able to provide vital services to people affected by cancer.
“Nominating our professionals to attend the garden party gave us an opportunity to show our appreciation of her continued contribution to Macmillan.”
If you have been affected by cancer and would like information and support from Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support line on 0808 808 00 00.