A Llanelli woman who had to learn to talk again after cancer is set to lead the charge against the disease in Wales’ capital city later this month.
Mum-of-two Mandy Evans endured a 15 hour operation which removed part of her tongue. She relied on writing everything down to communicate while recovering from the life-changing surgery. Treatment also included six weeks of radiotherapy.
But Mandy was determined cancer wouldn’t steal her voice forever. Now she’s in remission from head and neck cancer and after speech therapy, is back in fine voice.
Leading the charge in Cardiff
It will be an emotional moment when she stands on the start line at Cancer Research UK’s 10k Shine Night Walk in Cardiff on September 25. Mandy will lead a team of seven pals on the fundraising walk who all train with her at fitness club Evolve Strength and Conditioning in Crosshands.
Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer. Every year around 20,500 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales.
Diagnosis and treatment
Mandy, a van driver for vehicle parts firm Allspares, understands all too well the need to support research that will drive more life-saving discoveries and breakthroughs. The 55-year-old was diagnosed towards the end of 2023 and said: “My life changed forever when I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. I had to learn how to speak, eat and swallow again and I continue to live with some of the long-term effects of treatment, including a dry mouth, altered taste and difficulties eating certain foods. They are daily reminders of what I’ve been through.”
Mandy vividly recalls when she first noticed a painful ulcer under her tongue. After it didn’t go away for several weeks, she mentioned it to her dentist during an appointment. When the dentist left the room, asking a colleague for a second opinion, it was a first hint that something may be seriously wrong.
Mandy was referred to Morriston Hospital in Swansea but at first kept the appointment secret from her family. After more tests including a biopsy, she was diagnosed on November 14 2023 with cancer. Doctors explained the full extent of the treatment needed and Mandy realised she would have to share the news with her husband, Paul Evans, 46, and sons Gareth, 30, and Cai, 22. Her family became her support network as Mandy went through the toughest months of her life.
Recovery and radiotherapy
On January 22, 2024, Mandy had the operation. Surgeon Mr Madhav Kutter removed the tumour as well as part of Mandy’s tongue and some of her teeth. To reconstruct her tongue, he took tissue from Mandy’s left arm. The newly constructed tongue was stitched to the top of Mandy’s gum but was unable to move like an ordinary tongue. Lymph nodes were taken from Mandy’s neck and a trachea and feeding tube were fitted initially.
Afterwards, Mandy spent a week in intensive care. As she slowly recovered, a new way of talking had to be developed. Mandy said: “I talk a lot, I always have done. It took a lot of getting use to, knowing my new tongue didn’t move like everybody else’s. At first I had a speech impediment but I did everything in my power to get talking again.”
In March 2024, a special mask was made and Mandy began radiotherapy. She travelled to Swansea's Singleton Hospital, five-days-a-week for six weeks to have six minutes a day of radiotherapy. Mandy said: “The radiotherapy mask was bolted to the table so I couldn’t move. It felt uncomfortable being pinned down. Everyone said to me, you are so brave. I don’t see it as brave. My back was up against the wall and I had to get the cancer treatment done. I had no choice. I was inundated with flowers and cards from friends during treatment which kept me going.”
Shining for Carl
All through treatment, Mandy was in close touch with work pal, Carl Maiden from Bridgend. Carl was also being treated for cancer so they supported each other. Mandy was devastated when Carl died in July 2025. Mandy said: “During my cancer treatment, Carl and I messaged almost every day. We compared treatments, shared our fears, celebrated the little victories and helped each other. We were supposed to finish our cancer journeys together. Carl is one of the reasons Shine Night Walk means so much to me. I’ll Shine for Carl and I miss him.”
Today, Mandy is back at work and a regular at the gym in Cross Hands. She’s urging people across Wales to see Cardiff in a whole new light and join Shine Night Walk. Whether people walk in honour, celebration or remembrance of loved ones, the funds they raise will help power tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs. Shine Night Walk participants can fundraise for the area of cancer research that matters most to them with 17 causes to choose from, including bowel cancer, breast cancer, early detection, or where the need is greatest.
Shine Night Walk starts and finishes at Cardiff Castle. The iconic route takes in some of the city’s most loved landmarks including Cardiff University buildings on Museum Avenue, the Museum of Cardiff, St David’s Hall, Cardiff Bay and the Principality Stadium.
Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Wales, Lisa Adams said: “Shine Night Walk is an uplifting and unforgettable evening where thousands come together to take on a unique challenge, make memories and make a difference for people affected by cancer. It’s thanks to our supporters that we’ve helped double cancer survival in the UK, over the past 50 years. But with nearly 1 in 2 people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, there’s so much more to do. Every step taken at Shine Night Walk helps create a brighter future – one where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
People can also show their support by volunteering on the night. From helping to set up the course to guiding participants around the city, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and learn new skills. Anyone who signs up for Shine Night Walk by September 7, can claim 30% off the entry fee by using the code SNWAUG26.
