By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Today we remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Armistice Day ceremony, which is taking place today at 11am on Llwyn Isaf outside the Guildhall.

Yesterday, I, along with other residents and local dignitaries, attended the annual Remembrance Service at the RWF Memorial at Bodhyfryd to lay a wreath and pay my respects.

Wrexham is a city with a proud military tradition and it was heartwarming to see so many members of the public in attendance showing their gratitude to our Armed Forces past and present.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, with more than 2,000 people diagnosed every year in Wales. However, if it is detected in its early stages, the cancer is treatable and curable, with almost nine out of ten people surviving.

Regular readers of this column may recall that last month, I highlighted that 50-year-olds registered with a GP in Wales will automatically be invited to receive a free NHS bowel screening test kit every two years.

It’s part of a phased approach to lower the screening age, in line with recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee. Reducing the minimum age for the programme down to 50 means more people will qualify for the screening tests and, therefore, it is hoped more lives will be saved. The self-screening kits will arrive in the post so people can complete the test in the comfort of their own home.

In the early stages of bowel cancer, people may feel well and have no symptoms so I urge everyone in Wrexham who receives the invitation to take up the offer as it could save your life.

Coinciding with this positive development, I recently met with members of Bowel Cancer Support North Wales, a self-help group that provides support and advice to people affected by bowel cancer, their families and carers.

The group meets on the first Thursday of every month in the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Wrexham city centre between 7pm – 9pm.

Anyone in the Wrexham area affected by bowel cancer is welcome to attend and all the information can be found on their website: www.bowelcancersupport.co.uk.

As always, if you’re a constituent and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.