2010 Ryder Cup Captains find out how Tenovus is helping cancer patients in Wales
Wednesday 4th November 2009
Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin, Ryder Cup Captains of Europe and the United States respectively, paid a special visit to Tenovus mobile cancer support unit before playing their recent exhibition match on The Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort.
The unit, launched in February this year, enables cancer patients to access chemotherapy, cancer support and advice on money matters close to their homes at the heart of their community. Since February, over 2,000 people have visited the unit as it delivers services throughout South East Wales.
Through its partnership with Ryder Cup Wales and support from The European Tour, Tenovus hopes to fund a further unit delivering vital services elsewhere in Wales. With just under a year to go until The 2010 Ryder Cup, the charity hopes that organisations, golfers and friends throughout Wales will continue their support enabling this to happen.
Cancer rates in Wales are 22% higher than in England and Tenovus’ partnership with Ryder Cup Wales has meant that more people have been exposed to key health messages and information about how to reduce the risk of cancer.
Montgomerie and Pavin spent some time in the unit, learning about the services offered by Tenovus, and the European Captain commented: “This is a subject very close to my heart, having lost my mother to cancer in 1991. I am very aware of the devastating effect the disease has on patients, carers and their families, which was the reason behind my decision to set up the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation two years ago.
“Corey and I were extremely impressed with the work which Tenovus is carrying out through the mobile cancer support unit. It is heartening to know that The Ryder Cup can play a role in helping the treatment of this terrible disease in Wales.”
Chief Executive of Tenovus, Claudia McVie said: “We are thrilled that the Captains took the time to come and see our unit. It helps to show them that bringing The 2010 Ryder Cup to Wales is not just about the golf but it has enabled thousands of cancer patients to gain more support closer to their homes. “
John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, said: “This mobile unit, the first in the world, has reduced the average travelling distance for patients from over 40 miles to 12 miles enabling them to get home quickly after treatment. We hope Tenovus and Wales will be the first to have two such units by 2010, funded through its partnership with Ryder Cup Wales, taking similar benefits throughout all parts of Wales. A wonderful innovation by Tenovus."
For more information on how you can get involved in the golfing events please email golf@tenovus.org.uk or call Sarah Jordan on 02920 768864.
For further media information please contact Natalie Owen on 02920 768789 or email natalie.owen@tenovus.org.uk
