Football legend John Hartson to launch mobile cancer care unit

SWANSEA footballer and cancer patient John Hartson is joining the fight against the disease in Carmarthenshire.

According to statistics Carmarthenshire has the second highest rate of cancer per head of population in Wales.

Big John will be visiting Parc y Scarlets tomorrow to help launch the Tenovus Mobile Cancer Support Unit for South West Wales.

The 33-year-old former Wales international is recovering from testicular cancer and has braved the media spotlight to increase awareness of the disease.

The unique facility was designed and built to serve patients' need to access care, treatment and support in their locality.

Tenovus aims to bring support and treatment to those who need these services the most, in the hardest to reach areas.

Claudia McVie, chief executive of Tenovus, said: "More than 1,000 people in Carmarthenshire alone are diagnosed with cancer each year. Patients have told us that they would like to be treated closer to their home in these circumstances.

Tenovus has tried to meet this need where it arises through the provision of care, treatment and support services in the heart of patients' communities.

"Tenovus are delighted to be able to expand this to Carmarthenshire. Our mobile support unit has been designed to offer a complete package to patients and really make a difference to their lives."

The charity will bring this support to Carmarthenshire in partnership with Hywel Dda Trust and Cancer Information and Support Services, who provide counselling support to cancer patients.