Dr Sian Williams announced as ambassador for cancer charity Maggie’s
The BBC presenter, who hosts the Radio 4 programme Life Changing and is also a counselling psychologist, has been involved with the cancer care charity for 10 years.
She joins the likes of broadcaster Mark Chapman, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley and recording artist AJ Tracey as Maggie’s marks its 30th year of supporting people with cancer.
The Swansea branch of Maggie’s, located on the grounds of Singleton Hospital, offers free practical, emotional, and social support to anyone living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.
Having opened by then, First Minister Carwyn Jones on December 9, 2011, to address the critical need for holistic cancer support in South West Wales, Maggie’s in Swansea sees approximately 3,000 new cancer diagnoses every year.
Locally, Swansea City Football Club has been associated with Maggie’s as its charitable partner since August 2023, with a campaign titled “Tackling Cancer Together”.
The club chose Maggie’s due to the charity’s direct impact on the local community and the personal experiences of club figures with cancer.
They launched an eye-catching pink third kit for the 2023–24 season dedicated to the partnership. The design featured coloured spots representing common types of cancer, with £3 from each sale donated to Maggie’s.
Swansea City legends Alan Curtis MBE and Kev Johns MBE have long-standing ties to the charity, serving as ambassadors for the Swansea centre following their own cancer diagnoses.
Dr Sian Williams said: “I am delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for Maggie’s. I know how brilliantly and compassionately they deliver expert and holistic care to those going through cancer and their family and friends.
“I’ve worked at Maggie’s and had a cancer experience too, so I know what an enormous difference that support can make. I am looking forward to working even more closely with the charity to make sure they can reach as many people as possible at what is potentially the hardest time of their lives.”
After many years as a news presenter on the BBC, including on BBC Breakfast, Dr Sian studied for a Master’s Degree in Psychology, followed by a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
During her training as a counselling psychologist, she undertook a placement at Maggie’s West London at Charing Cross Hospital, where she spent 18 months facilitating support groups and delivering one-to-one therapy.
Since then, Dr Sian has, amongst other things, spoken at a carol concert to raise funds for Maggie’s, hosted a panel discussion on men, cancer and mental health in the Senedd for the charity, and taken part in Maggie’s campaigns to raise awareness of treatment induced crash menopause.
Dr Sian has personal experience of cancer after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 in 2014. Her treatment included a double mastectomy. The author has since expressed how her experience made her realise what a difference the right support can make.
Dame Laura Lee DBE, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “We are so pleased to announce Dr Sian as an ambassador for Maggie’s. As a psychologist and someone with lived experience of cancer, I know she truly understands our support and the needs of our centre visitors.
“We are marking 30 years of transformative cancer care this year and are more committed than ever to making sure everyone with cancer, and their family and friends, has access to our free expert, practical, emotional and psychological support. It’s wonderful to welcome Dr Sian to the Maggie’s family during our 30th year.”
Maggie’s has been providing free, expert emotional and practical support for people with cancer for 30 years.
[Lead image: BBC]
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