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A Rhymney charity is preparing to mark 30 years of supporting its community next year.

Helping Hands, Rhymney Cancer Self-Help Group will reach the milestone in September 2024. 

The charity provides aid to people in Rhymney, Pontlottyn, Abertysswg, Deri, and Fochriw. 

It has two shops located on High Street, Rhymney – one sells assorted items and the other, clothes.

While the anniversary plans are yet to be finalised, retail manager Paul Thomas hopes the celebrations can start as early as January. 

“We’re hoping to get something going,” said Paul, adding that they want to “try to get the community involved”.

Helping Hands was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to easing the burdens of seriously ill individuals and their caregivers as quickly as possible – providing help with forms, assessments and medical aids. 

Details of the charity’s formation are outlined in the book ‘Don’t Wish Me a Happy New Year’, written by the group’s first chairperson, Christine Stephens.

The group started in Rhymney Day Centre, on Surgery Hill, after former councillor Peter Bailie responded to worries over the high number of people with cancer in the area. 

Seven people, some cancer survivors, and others caregivers, came together to form a fundraising group to support cancer patients.

From there the charity grew, gaining charitable status in 1996 and receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2006. 

Helping Hands can be found at 74 and 75 Rhymney High Street, and can be contacted on 01685 844888.