September 25, 2026 - 218 views
A new North Wales transport project is being created in memory of a young man who died aged just 26, with the first 26 free hospital journeys planned for people facing serious illness.
Michael’s 26 has been established in memory of Michael James Caldwell, who died on October 7, 2025.
Its first service, Michael’s 26 Journeys, will provide free, pre-booked transport for young people and young adults in North Wales who need to travel for hospital treatment, investigations or specialist care.
The service will officially launch on December 3 – Michael's birthday – with the aim of providing 26 free hospital journeys in memory of his 26 years.
However, suitable journeys may be possible before the official launch, depending on availability, and healthcare professionals, support organisations, patients and families can already make enquiries.
The journeys will be personally provided by Michael's family using a licensed seven-seat Mercedes-Benz Vito.
They could include travel for cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, scans, biopsies, procedures, specialist consultations and significant hospital treatment.
The service could also help patients travelling to specialist hospitals elsewhere in Wales or England.
Passengers will not have to travel alone. Parents, partners, carers, siblings or other appropriate support people may accompany them, subject to the safe and lawful capacity of the vehicle.
Michael's 26 is initially intended for people aged approximately 16 to 35 who live in North Wales, are facing a serious or potentially life-threatening illness and are experiencing genuine difficulty with the cost or availability of transport.
Although cancer patients are expected to form an important part of the service, support will not be restricted to cancer.
The project is currently making healthcare professionals, cancer and haematology teams, clinical nurse specialists, hospital social workers, Macmillan and other support organisations, GPs and hospices aware of the service.
Patients themselves, as well as parents, partners and other family members, can also make referrals. There is no charge for approved journeys.
The longer-term aim is to explore how Michael's 26 could grow and potentially provide further help with transport costs, parking, accommodation and grants. The project also has ambitions to eventually establish an annual Michael's 26 Challenge.
Michael's father Ray says the project is intended to create a lasting legacy from Michael's life by providing practical help to other young people and families facing serious illness.
More information can be found on Facebook. Further enquiries and referrals can be made by emailing michaels26journeys@gmail.com.
