Comedian Romesh Ranganathan visited the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff to spend time with young people being supported by Teenage Cancer Trust.
Romesh, who is a long-standing supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust was in Cardiff as part of his Hustle tour, donating tickets to staff and young people on the ward so they could have an evening out away from the hospital
During the visit, Romesh met 17-year-old Issy Dockings, who was with her mum Danielle. They both saw Romesh’s show the at Cardiff Utilita Arena and told him what they thought about it – feedback that Romesh was initially nervous about.
Issy, who was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer called metastatic ewing sarcoma, told Romesh that they both enjoyed the show.
She added: “I was a bit nervous to meet Romesh at first but he is a big softie in real life. We spoke about all sorts. We were all laughing a lot and he’s just really down to earth and friendly.”
Issy also introduced Romesh to her latest Jellycat – Clyde Capybara.
Talking about the support they have received from Teenage Cancer Trust, mum Danielle said: “To have a space like the Teenage Cancer Trust unit is so important to have because it enables young people to be themselves, meet other people and forget about what they are going through for a bit.
“Issy has received exceptional care and we are so grateful to the staff for their support on the unit.”
26-year-old Gregor Van Logan also met Romesh.
Gregor, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, said: “I went to see Romesh’s show and I really like his comedy style. He also does a lot to raise awareness of men’s mental health which is really important.
“In real life he’s nice and bubbly, he has a soothing presence and he was very modest when speaking to us all.”
Romesh also met other young people and spoke about a range of topics from gaming, to football, and tv shows.
The Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the University Hospital of Wales is designed for 14-25-year-olds.
The unit is designed to feel more like a home, rather than a hospital ward, with areas including a large chill out and tv area, a computer area, a dining area and a kitchen for young people and their parents.
Staff on the unit make sure each person having treatment gets the best possible quality care and is treated as a young person first, cancer patient second.
Anna Davies, a Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinator, said the visit was a highlight for the young people on the unit.
Anna said: “Romesh is one of our favourite visitors that we’ve had to the unit. He made everyone feel relaxed, he was great with the young people and everyone had a really good time.
“We are grateful for all of the work that Romesh is doing to help fundraise and raise awareness of Teenage Cancer Trust.
“The unit here in Cardiff is brilliant. Teenagers and young adults are treated as people and not as patients. It is a calming and relaxing spot and it is an ideal environment for young people who are going through a difficult time.
“People can come in and make themselves a cup of tea, socialise, play games – anything that enables them to do the things that they enjoy doing.”
Last year Romesh was announced as Teenage Cancer Trust’s first comedy Icon. The Icon role is for high-profile figures across the entertainment industry who have volunteered to give a year of their time to deliver transformational change for young people with cancer.
On his visit to Cardiff, Romesh said: “It has been a pleasure to spend time with the young people, their families and the staff. I have seen first hand the positive impact that Teenage Cancer Trust is having on young people with cancer, and it is a cause that I feel particularly passionate about.
“One of the things I’ve noticed on the units is how good the staff are with young people and their parents, who are going through a particularly difficult and challenging time.
“Seeing how the staff go above and beyond for them is pretty amazing.”
As part of his huge headline tour Romesh, has invited just under 200 frontline staff and young people supported by the charity to see his show for free - Cardiff were one of the beneficiaries of this offer, seeing the show at the Utilita Arena Cardiff.
Romesh will be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), who he is Patron, throughout his UK headline tour HUSTLE by raising vital funds for the two charities.
Each year, approximately, 90 13-24-year-olds in Wales are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. It costs nearly £500,000 a year to fund Teenage Cancer Trust services in Wales.
To donate to Teenage Cancer Trust please visit: www.teenagecancertrust.org/romesh-ranganathan
Picture credit: Teenage Cancer Trust. Pictured with Romesh Ranganathan are Issy (grey hoody, Danielle, (pink top and glasses).
