A WREXHAM man who lost his fiancé to cancer almost two years ago is to be the guest of honour at the opening of a new charity shop in the city.
Mike Shone, 51, will be cutting the ribbon on the Cancer Research Wales shop at 5 Priory Street (the old Tŷ Cornel art gallery building) in memory of Victoria Davies (nee Picken) on Saturday 11 May.
Members of Victoria’s and Mike’s family will be also at the opening in support of the Welsh charity, whose aim is to unite Wales against cancer.
Mother-of-two Victoria’s world changed forever on 17 March 2017 when, aged 38, she was given the devastating news that she had stage 4 primary peritoneal cancer.
Mike said: "This was a diagnosis which was very hard for her to come to terms with however she met the illness head on. She was always open about her illness and spoke about it with bravery and hope.
"The initial treatment for the cancer was a mixture of six rounds of chemotherapy and surgery including a full hysterectomy. The treatment she knew would not cure the cancer but would be life-lengthening treatment.
"Victoria grasped life and lived as much as she could whilst battling cancer. She only ever wanted the best for her family, friends and her loved ones and was at her happiest when she was with 'Her boys' – especially her sons, Rhain and Rhaeadr."
Victoria went through two rounds of major surgery to diagnose and treat her cancer, along with a total of 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
Victoria passed away on 15 June 2022 at home in Pentre Bychan surrounded by loved ones after a five-year fight against cancer.
Mike added: "We, as her family, want to raise awareness and help the battle against cancer in her name just as she did all she could whilst she was alive."
Lorraine Boyd, Head of Retail at Cancer Research Wales said: “We’re very grateful to Mike, his and Victoria’s families for coming along to support our new Wrexham store’s opening in Victoria’s memory and for their kindness and courage in doing so.
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“Every week in Wales, 175 families lose a loved one to cancer. Our research delivers hope for people affected by cancer today will help transform the future for the patients of tomorrow.
“We’d like to ask the people of Wrexham to please come and support us and help fund our life-changing research work by donating your pre-loved goods, shopping with us and volunteering your time.”
The new Wrexham store is the second shop Cancer Research Wales is opening in North Wales.
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