Pupils at Cwmbran High School returned to class today after half-term to find this inspirational message on two sets of stairs.

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Macmillan Cancer Support’s information bus Bronwen is coming to Torfaen to help answer your questions about breast cancer and other cancers during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Macmillan’s team of trained professionals with first-hand experience of cancer treatments and front-line support services team will be on hand to offer information and advice to anybody with questions about cancer.

Bronwen will be in Gwent Square at Cwmbran Shopping Centre on Tuesday 5 November between 9am and 5pm and at Pontypool Market on Commercial Street on Wednesday 6 November from 9am to 3.30pm.

Bronwen is packed with information on the different types of cancers, their symptoms and where to get local help from diagnosis right through to the physical, financial and emotional support.

A private room on board provides space for people to have more sensitive conversations with staff, who can help find the support that they need.

Macmillan is encouraging anyone living nearby, or who are simply passing by, who have questions about cancer to come and say hello. 

Moray Hayman, Bronwen Team Lead Cancer Information and Support Specialist, said : “We encourage anyone who has questions about cancer to come and see us, whether they’re living with cancer, have been recently diagnosed, are caring for someone with cancer or are worried about somebody. 

“As well as answering questions on the day, we can let visitors know about other cancer services locally and provide information on a range of matters, including the physical, financial and emotional support available.

“Even if you don’t have a specific question to ask, our friendly team are always available for a chat about whatever cancer throws your way.”

Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan in Wales, said: “At Macmillan, we know a cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down in just a moment and we aim to be right there with you.

“Funded by our brilliant supporters, our mobile information team travels around Wales to bring cancer information and advice to your community.

“Bronwen is smaller, lighter and more mobile than most of our services, meaning we can reach even more people with cancer to offer our expert information and advice and to support people with cancer to live life as fully as they can.”

More information/ any questions?

For further information about Macmillan’s mobile information and support service, and where it’s visiting, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo.

If you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 (9am to 8pm).

You can find out about Macmillan services near you at www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area

Macmillan is funded almost entirely by donations and cannot provide services such as Bronwen without your support.

Get involved with Macmillan

Visit macmillan.org.uk/getinvolved to do something amazing today.

Sainsbury’s and Argos in Cwmbran have sunflower lanyards to help enhance the shopping experience for customers with hidden disabilities.

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Owen Filer entertained his family and friends at his 100th birthday party in the Olive Tree club in Cwmbran.

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Friends and family of a 17-year-old boy who died in a Cwmbran house fire in 1996 organised a 40th birthday party in his memory. Lee Daniels passed away in a tragic fire caused by a chip pan. Last night they gathered at St Joseph’s Social Club in St Dials to share memories of him.

Ceri Williams, 39, was one of Lee’s best mates and was out with him on the night of the fire.

She said: “The idea for a party came from Lee’s dad’s partner Christine and his sister Rhiannon. They contacted me and asked if I would get all of Lee’s friends together for a surprise for his dad, Chris, to mark what would have been Lee’s 40th Birthday. I had an overwhelming response from everybody.

“After one week of contacting people and the word being spread around I booked the St Joseph’s Social Club on Blenheim Road, which was quite fitting been as we all grew up in that area.

“Lee absolutely loved Arsenal and he also loved basketball, he was a very tall boy. He loved Tupac Shakur and rave music. We used to all sneak to raves from the age of about 14 onwards. Lee was selfless and would literally do anything for you. He was funny, caring and very friendly.

“Lee had a whole range of friends, boys and girls. He was a proper friend who was always there for you and is sadly missed by everyone who knew him. The night Lee died we had all been in Ritzy’s in Newport partying as you did back then when you discovered night clubs.

“At the end of the night some of the boys were going to a house party but Lee decided to go home instead. When he got home to Shelley Green in St Dials he put the chip pan on to cook some food, fell asleep on the sofa and the house set on fire.

“It did not take long for the word to spread. I remember it being really early in the morning and my dad called a friend’s house that I was staying at to say that Lee was dead and my friends were trying to call me. I can remember that we all congregated at the Pantry Shop in Greenmeadow. It was absolutely devastating. The day Lee died left a massive hole in our friendship group and our lives. He will never be forgotten.

“The party was a nice surprise for his dad. He thought he was coming to my 40th birthday party. His mum, Julie, also came to the party.”

Chris, Lee’s dad, said: “I can’t believe it. Unbelievable. I honestly didn’t have a clue, not a clue it was going to happen tonight. Fantastic, really fantastic. I was gobsmacked. I thought I was coming here for Ceri’s birthday. I didn’t have a clue. I knew it was his birthday tomorrow but I celebrate it in my own little way you know. Tonight I’ve been chatting to his mates and as I’ve spoken to them I’ve remembered them. I can’t remember all the names, that comes with old age you know. But yes, I just remember the faces, it’s great that they’ve all showed up, still showing him a bit of respect. Lovely, it really is nice. I’m going to cry now. “

Lee played in Fairwater Comprehensive School’s under 13 football team and won the Cyril Rogers Cup after beating teams across Wales. They went on to represent Britain in an international competition in Florida.

His dad said: “They went to America for two weeks. I don’t think they did very well in the tournament but they wiped the floor with everybody over here. They were a good footballing side back in the day.”

He joked: “Lee was an Arsenal fan and I’m a Manchester United fan but I think he did it deliberately, just to not follow me, to do his own thing. I suppose somebody has got to support them.”

Lee would have turned 40 on Saturday 21 September 2019.