Acorn Sacyr Autumn 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the latest Acorn/Sacyr UK new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) project news update. Every quarter we will tell you about project progress, what is going on within the community around the build, and initiatives that are taking place around the community connected with the project. 

Culture

Sacyr supports Show Cancer the V event

Sacyr’s Community Benefits Team had a great day at the very first Show Cancer the V event. It was a great success, filled with hope, celebration, strength, and remembrance. From the laughter to the tears and cheers, every moment was a reminder of what happens when people come together to make a difference.

Over 900 people stood together with families, friends and colleagues to take on the challenge to run either 1.5k, 5k or 10k. Colleagues swapped desks for running shoes and runners, walkers, joggers, and supporters all united with one goal, to Show Cancer the V! Over £75,000 has been raised, with 100% of this incredible amount benefitting Velindre thanks to the generosity of some amazing sponsors.

Charity President, Jonathan Davies, said:

“To our sponsors, volunteers, route planning committee, event partners, participants and donors and staff, your support changes lives, and we couldn’t do it without you.”

Engaging with the community at Whitchurch Festival

The new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) team attended the Whitchurch Festival to share project updates, highlight the benefits of the new cancer centre, and answer questions from members of the public.

Scheduled to open in spring 2027, the new cancer centre’s world‑class facilities will transform cancer care in Wales and focus on the needs of patients and staff.

Nurture

Mia shares her aspirations to help cancer patients with ITV

Entrepreneurial Academy candidate Mia Harris recently welcomed ITV News to the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site highlighting her inspiring journey from cancer patient to aspiring entrepreneur.

Sacyr, along with community partners, inspires and supports future generations of entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurial Academy to build business ideas, gain practical management skills, and access potential grant funding.

Drawing on her own experience of receiving treatment for leukaemia, Mia has developed a business concept that creates accessible clothing for patients undergoing hospital treatment. Her innovative designs allow medical access for treatment without the need to cut, remove or damage clothing, helping patients maintain comfort and dignity throughout their care. Through the Entrepreneurial Academy, Mia has worked to develop the commercial viability of her idea, exploring product development, manufacturing and routes to market.

During the visit, ITV interviewed Entrepreneurial Course Leader Dan Biddle, who spoke about his passion for supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and the positive impact the course has on participants. Dan highlighted how the academy equips individuals with the practical skills, confidence and business knowledge needed to transform personal experiences and innovative ideas into viable enterprises. Mia’s story was showcased as an example of how entrepreneurship can be used to create solutions and generate positive social impact.

Bryn y Deryn students learn bricklaying skills at Sacyr site

Students from Bryn y Deryn School visited the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site to take part in a bricklaying workshop with contractors, Falcon 3. The session inspired interest in construction and helped students to develop practical skills within the industry.

An introduction to the nVCC project helped students explore construction, modern building methods, and the importance of sustainability, followed by discussions on the range of careers available in construction. A Health and Safety briefing highlighted safe working practices and the essential role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on site.

Under Falcon 3’s guidance, the students received a demonstration of correct bricklaying techniques, including the safe and effective use of a trowel and mortar. They were encouraged to explore bricklaying apprenticeships, construction-related college courses, and career opportunities within the industry, appropriate to their age and stage of education.

The visit offered a hands-on learning experience that helped students gain a greater understanding of construction, develop practical skills, and explore careers within the sector.

Future

Entrepreneurial Academy participants celebrate their achievements

The Entrepreneurial Academy, led by Dan Biddle and supported by Harrison Fairclough and Academy Support Assistant Aash Nash was held at the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC). The programme showcased the incredible potential of individuals who may have previously faced barriers to employment or been overlooked by the labour market. Participants arrived with a diverse range of business ideas that were commercially viable, creating positive social impact and improving the lives of others.

Throughout the course, participants developed their confidence, skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Business concepts included adaptable clothing for patients undergoing cancer treatment, wheelchair sport schemes, blind employment initiatives for visually impaired people, lingerie and jewellery designed to support women who have experienced trauma and personal challenges, climate change mitigation engineering solutions, sensory room developments, volunteer-led charities, and many more socially driven ventures.

Every participant successfully graduated from the academy and is now continuing to develop their business ideas, demonstrating the lasting impact of the programme and its contribution to fostering innovation, inclusion and opportunity within the community.

Sacyr donates materials and a £1,000 grant to Men’s Sheds

Sacyr is supporting Men’s Sheds by donating surplus materials from site, such as pallets and timber for their projects.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, chat and create together, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, while building friendships, sharing skills and having fun. Activities vary from woodwork and metalwork, to repairs, electronics, model making or even car building. Sacyr has recently provided Lisvane Men’s Sheds with a £1,000 grant to help them with their projects and to celebrate their fifth anniversary.

Monthly Resident Drop-in Sessions

The next resident drop-in is scheduled for Wednesday 23 September 2026, from 6pm to 7pm at the Noddfa building at 19 Park Road by the Velindre Cancer Centre rear car park. Members of the Acorn, Sacyr and Velindre team will be on hand to discuss progress on our works and answer any questions.

These take place on the last Wednesday of the month for the duration of the construction programme. For more information about the project, visit the website at: https://newvelindre.info/