Memories from 70 years of Velindre featured in new art exhibition

23 September 2026

A new art exhibition celebrating the history of Velindre Cancer Service has been installed at Velindre Cancer Centre as part of a campaign to mark its 70th anniversary.

The exhibition in Cardiff has been created in partnership with the Arts in Health programme to explore the special people, places, and moments that have shaped Velindre over the decades. It forms part of the anniversary campaign, Proud of our past, excited for our future.

The campaign celebrates seven decades of care, innovation, research, and compassion while also building excitement for the move to the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Spring 2027.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the service's history while looking ahead to its future through photography, personal stories, and historical content. It features a selection of photographs by David Collyer and stories collected by Jude Rogers, which showcase the spirit and community that have become synonymous with Velindre.

Sally Thelwell, Arts and Health Coordinator at Velindre Cancer Service, said: "Our Arts in Health programme exists because we know that healthcare is about much more than treatment alone. Creative projects can help people connect and find comfort during difficult times. This exhibition celebrates not only the history of Velindre, but also the value of the people who have shaped it.

"As we mark 70 years of Velindre Cancer Service, this exhibition provides a place for patients, families, staff, and visitors to pause, remember, and celebrate the extraordinary community that exists here."

Much of the content has been drawn from the Moving House project, which captured memories and reflections from Velindre's community as it prepares for the move to the new cancer centre.

Kate Hammond, Senior Engagement Manager at Velindre Cancer Service, said: "The Moving House project was created to capture the stories, memories and experiences that make Velindre unique as we prepare to move. We wanted to know what people felt was most important to take with them into our next chapter.

"What quickly became clear was that people weren't talking about buildings. They were talking about friendships, kindness, families, breakthroughs, laughter, support, and so much more. Those human stories are at the heart of this exhibition and help preserve a meaningful part of Velindre's story."

The exhibition will remain on display within Velindre Cancer Centre until the move to the new cancer centre, providing a lasting opportunity for patients, families, staff and visitors to engage with the history of the service.

The anniversary campaign also invites people to contribute their own memories and photographs as part of a growing archive celebrating 70 years of Velindre Cancer Service.

Members of the public, former and current staff, volunteers, patients, families and supporters can share their stories through the dedicated anniversary webpage. Find out how you can get involved.

About Velindre Cancer Service

Velindre Cancer Service provides specialist cancer care to more than 1.5 million people across south east Wales and beyond. As part of Velindre University NHS Trust, services are delivered through a hub-and-spoke model, with Velindre Cancer Centre serving as a specialist treatment, teaching and research centre for non-surgical oncology.

A wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy, systemic anti-cancer treatments (SACT), radiotherapy and specialist palliative care, are delivered by Velindre Cancer Service. Through learning, innovation, research and service improvement, the service is committed to delivering the highest quality care for patients and families across Wales.