Velindre Cancer Centre Fundraising

Only 1 month to go until Castle 2 Castle 2024!🏰

We are so excited to welcome you all at the start line for this beloved run!💚

Make sure you have all read your event pack and familiarise yourself with the order of the day.

With a month to go this is also the perfect opportunity to push your fundraising!🤩

There are a few spaces left! Sign up here: https://buytickets.at/velindrecharity/1180148

FINAL 24 HOURS TO REGISTER FOR JIFFYS 50!!

Secure your place today!!💚💜

THIS IS YOUR FINAL 24 HOURS TO SIGN UP FOR JIFFY'S CANCER 50 CHALLENGE!🚴❗️

Register here today: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/JiffysCancer50Challenge2024

Join the cycle event of the summer, cycling 50 miles from Cardiff to Swansea on Sunday the 18th of August, raising vital funds for 2 of Wales's incredible cancer centres!💚💜

🌟 Join Gareth Petty's Inspiring Journey! 🌟

In August 2023, Gareth was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. Now, he's turning his journey into a mission to raise awareness and funds for Velindre Cancer Centre. 🚶‍♂️❤️

Starting August 16, 2024, Gareth will walk 180 miles across Wales, from Llandudno to Cross Inn Cowbridge, finishing on August 25.

🗣️ "I wanted to turn my diagnosis into something positive," Gareth says. "This challenge raises awareness for melanoma, emphasizes regular body checks, and thanks the NHS and Velindre staff."

Read more about Gareth's journey here: https://www.velindrefundraising.com/2024/08/06/gareths-miles-for-melanoma/

Happy World Lion Day! We want to introduce you to our lovely Lomu Lion’s. Lomu has become the heart of our children’s services at Velindre 🦁

These characters were created as part of our ‘Caring for my family with cancer’ book series and developed into accompanying teddies that help children and family’s communicate care for each other during a family’s journey through cancer 📕

All our children's services are fully funded by your donations! Help us continue to make a difference and donate today: https://www.justgiving.com/velindre/donate

On this , we’d like to extend our thanks to Mandy and everyone at Celtic Nations Women’s Walking Football for organizing a charity football tournament in memory of Anthony Hughes. Their efforts raised an impressive £642 for Velindre!⭐

The event was a true community effort, with raffle tickets, programs, and delicious homemade cakes sold by the players. We’re thrilled to hear that they plan on making this an annual tradition, continuing to honour Anthony’s memory and support a great cause.💚

This year we are extremely fortunate to continue working with The London Mint Office () to bring you these incredible finishers medals for Castle 2 Castle 2024! 🏅

The medals will be handed out by one of our wonderful sponsors on the day of the event and we can’t wait to see you all wearing them with pride at the finish line. 🏰

‘It is an immense honour for The London Mint Office to be part of the Castle 2 Castle event, especially as we celebrate its 10th Anniversary. This milestone year not only marks a decade of incredible journeys and achievements but also underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting the Velindre Cancer charity.

The London Mint Office has designed this year’s finishing line medal to mark this momentous milestone, incorporating the two castles, Cardiff and Caerphilly with a special additional design on the back of the medals to commemorate the 10-year anniversary!💚

Being involved in such a meaningful cause, alongside dedicated participants and supporters, fills us with pride and gratitude. Together, we are making a significant impact in the fight against cancer, and we are truly privileged to contribute to this noble mission.’

It’s not too late to sign up and secure your place: https://www.velindrefundraising.com/event/castle-2-castle-10-year-anniversary/

Share your story today!📣

We are looking for stories about experiences at Velindre. This could be about your own journey as a patient, or as a relative, friend, staff member, or supporter.

Whether its about your treatment experience, finding hope during a difficult time, or just something about Velindre that inspires you; we want to hear it!💚

These stories will be shared to our followers via social media, or on the Velindre Fundraising website. By sharing these stories, it can help patients and families feel less alone during their time at Velindre.🤩

Send us your story today at [email protected]

Please note- By sending in your story, you are happy for it to be shared across social media, our website and other Velindre literature. You can stay anonymous upon request.

On Saturday 6th July, Velindre were presented with an incredibly generous donation of $5000 from the Crane Fund at their open day held at their Cwmbran facility.⭐

Employee Adam Walton, pictured, has nominated Velindre to receive donations from the fund each year since 2020 when his father became a patient at Velindre Cancer Centre.

Adam says: "I continue to raise these funds in my father’s memory to acknowledge the excellent care he received at Velindre following his Brain tumour diagnosis in 2020.

Since 2020, the Crane Fund has donated $28,000 to Velindre, which is incredible!💚

Kylie McKee, Head of Fundraising at Velindre, pictured, said: "We are beyond grateful to Adam for nominating Velindre once again this year and for another incredibly generous donation. These donations really do make a huge difference here at Velindre, helping to provide the best care, treatment and support to our patients and their families. We are also grateful to the Crane fund for their generosity and support."

In celebration of National Friendship Day we are celebrating some of the incredible friendships made amongst our fundraisers on our overseas challenges. 💚

Since 2010, Velindre has organised a huge range of overseas fundraising challenges which has raised over £5 million for the charity!🤩

From the peak of Kilimanjaro to cycling the West Coast, each challenge brings together a group of dedicated supporters with the shared goal of making a difference to cancer patients and their families in Wales. During these trips there are some extremely tough moments that bring the group even closer together and it’s the people around you that get you through the toughest of challenges.

The bonds and friendships created on these trips are truly special and we are so grateful for the continued support on our overseas events to enable these friendships to form. 🙌

Velindre Ambassador, Hugh Williams-Jones, said: ‘I undertook my first overseas ride for Velindre 10 years ago and made lifelong friends with many fantastic people. I’m undertaking my 6th ride in Nov 2024 and many of the good friends I met in 2014 will again also be on this ride. The overseas trips are genuine life changing experiences, and an opportunity to bond with so many wonderful people, while helping in the Victory Over Cancer. Being part of the Velindre family and supporting the Hospital of Hope is truly a privilege and will continue to hold a special place in my heart.’

Share your story with us! Have you formed friendships through fundraising? Comment below or email us [email protected]

Want to be the first to hear about our next overseas? Sign up for our mailing list today: https://secureuk.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=16635&ac=gogu

In celebration of National Friendship Day we are celebrating some of the incredible friendships made amongst our fundraisers on our overseas challenges. 💚

Since 2010, Velindre has organised a huge range of overseas fundraising challenges which has raised over £5 million for the charity!

From the peak of Kilimanjaro to cycling the West Coast, each challenge brings together a group of dedicated supporters with the shared goal of making a difference to cancer patients and their families in Wales. During these trips there are some extremely tough moments that bring the group even closer together and it’s the people around you that get you through the toughest of challenges. 🏔️

The bonds and friendships created on these trips are truly special and we are so grateful for the continued support on our overseas events to enable these friendships to form.

Share your story with us! Have you formed friendships through fundraising? Comment below or email us [email protected]

Want to be the first to hear about our next overseas? Sign up for our mailing list today: https://secureuk.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=16635&ac=gogu

Jagger and Woody we have a tandem ready for you!🚴🚴‍♂️

With only a few weeks to go until Jiffy’s 50 we hope you are as excited as we are!🎉

Our ride leader joined Jagger and Woody on Heart Wales and has persuaded the iconic duo to take part in Jiffy’s 50 cancer challenge on a tandem!

It’s not too late for you to get involved. Sign up today: https://www.velindrefundraising.com/event/https-register-enthuse-com-ps-event-jiffyscancer50challenge2024/

Every year for Castle 2 Castle we are amazed by how many incredible people join us for the event and many with a personal connection to Velindre. 💚

Here is a wonderful story from one of our 2024 runners Vinod Ramachandran and his daughter Avya. Although Avya is too young to take part in the event, she is showing her support by completing a Mile a Day throughout August!🤩

“I'm participating in the 17km Velindre Castle to Castle Run, and my daughter Avyakta is taking on the 1-Mile-A-Day Challenge in August. We're raising funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in memory of my late wife, Saujanya.

This cause is deeply meaningful to us, as we aim to extend support to individuals undergoing similar journeys, including patients, families, and staff. Having personally experienced this journey, we comprehend the profound impact it has on one's life.”

During Saujanya’s treatment at Velindre, Vinod and Avyakta received care and support from our Specialist Lead Nurse, Michele Pengelly, our family room and children’s services here at the cancer centre, all of which are funded by the charity.

Thanks to these charity funded services, they were able to spend Christmas and New Year as a family making invaluable memories together. Avya was also given the children’s books and worry monster to help her understand what her family was going through.

Help Vinod and Avya by donating to their JustGiving page today: https://www.justgiving.com/page/avyavinod?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Favyavinod&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

It’s not too late to join them and run Castle 2 Castle 2024, sign up here: https://buytickets.at/velindrecharity/1180148

This we want to show our appreciation for James Harvey, who organised a Charity Track Day in memory of his mother, Mandy Harvey.🏎️

Mandy previously volunteered at Velindre, and received treatment at Velindre for many years, before sadly passing away in December 2023.

The fundraising event raised over £2300, and James has now reached an incredible total of over £8,000 across 4 different events! The track day was so successful that it is now going to be made an annual event.💚

Less than 100 spaces left for Castle2Castle 2024!!🤩

Be quick! There are only 100 spaces remaining for our annual Castle2Castle run and this is not one you are going to want to miss!

This year's event marks the 10th anniversary of Castle2Castle, and it promises to be the best one yet. This year we will be joined by celebrity runners Shane Williams & Liam Reardon, as well as some on-the-day surprises to celebrate this milestone💚

SIGN UP NOW: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/velindrecharity/1180148

In 2020, our amazing charity ambassador Bev Parry founded Velindre Crafters, bringing together a talented community of crafters to support Velindre through their creative skills. Fast forward to June 2024, and this incredible group has raised over £100,000 for the charity! 🎉

A huge thank you to Bev and everyone involved for your time, dedication, and passion. Together, we're making a real difference!💚

Head over to the Velindre Crafters Facebook group to get involved: https://www.facebook.com/share/imAWKzXWVWxKushc/?mibextid=K35XfP

To highlight World Listening Day 2024 we wanted to share some information about our incredible clinical psychology and counselling service here at Velindre. 💚

This service has been in operation for over 10 years and is fully funded by Velindre charitable funds. Our specialist team of clinical psychologists and counsellors offer a safe space to listen to patient's experiences and support them through every step of their treatment.

It’s so important that we can offer this space for our patients as they go through the difficult journey of cancer. Having someone on hand to listen to their thoughts and help process this change in their life is crucial to patient welfare. ⭐

“It’s a really privileged position to be in, having the time to sit with patients and help them with the way that they are thinking and adapt the way they are thinking to move forward with the cancer.” - Catrin Davies, Clinical Psychologist at Velindre.

This service only exists because of your fundraising and dedication to Velindre Charity and for that we are so grateful.

Help us continue this service at Velindre, donate here today: https://justgiving.com/velindre/donate

👂

This we would like to thank those in the team at CentralGroup South Wales, who undertook a 20k walk in celebration of their 20th year of trading and have raised over £1000 for Velindre.🤩

CRSW are supporting a fellow member of their team, Paul Thomas, who is embarking on a fundraising journey by undertaking our Patagonia trek in November 2025 with his daughter, Menna Mae.🚶

Paul and Menna are completing the trek in memory of James and Clive, who were both previously treated at Velindre.

Thank you CRSW!💚

Our incredible tour leader🥾🏔️

We made it to the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains; 4167 metres (13,671ft) up Mount Toubkal in Morocco.

So far, the trip has raised over £217,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre Fundraising.

Thanks to everyone who has generously donated. The Justgiving page is still active, so it's not too late to donate if you would still like to. Link below.

Thank you,
Rhod.

https://moroccotrek-2023.justgiving-sites.com/fundraising/rhod-gilbert-morocco-trek-velindre?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3_D2f2neDgH95e1A5VDkaN_HwqVKoRzx_816dsm527gdvPEJYkP3SXYpg_aem_oIOvqOaKLep7nhC3XJq_6A

🏔️WE DID IT!🏔️

Our wonderful Morocco trekkers have completed Mount Toubkal and are back down safe in Marrakesh🇲🇦

This trip has been full of emotion, dedication and incredible people, all raising vital funds for Velindre 💚

It’s been a huge challenge for every single person on this trip and we’ve been incredibly lucky to be lead by our charity patron Rhod Gilbert as his first trek back post treatment 🥾

Keep your eyes peeled for a full trip summary in the next few days 👀

Join our exclusive mailing list of supporters and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.💚

By signing up, you will be the first to know about any upcoming events, overseas challenges, opportunities to get involved, charity updates and much more!🤩

Sign up today: https://secureuk.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=16635&ac=gogu

On this , we would like to express our appreciation to a fantastic fundraiser, Dylan.

At just 3 years old, Dylan has demonstrated extraordinary generosity by raising funds for Velindre through the Wear Red 2024 campaign, a sponsored walk, and a sponsored climb of Sugar Loaf mountain.🏔️

Thank you and well done for your inspiring efforts!💚

It’s a pleasure to be heading to Morocco with our incredible patron Rhod Gilbert and the rest of for this epic challenge!

We hope everyone in the team is as ready as Rhod!! This will be such a special trip and even though it’s a few months late, we can’t wait to get on that plane!

Let’s do this!!🏔️

Rhod Gilbert Morocco Trek 2024 in aid of Velindre [{"type":"paragraph","nodes":[{"ranges":[{"text":"I’ve been a patron of Velindre for over 10 years and have completed five previous fundraising treks. When I say ‘leading’…I’m always at the back. "}],"type":"text"}]},{"type":"paragraph","nodes":[{"ranges":[{"text":""}],"type":"text"}]},{"t...

On the eve of our next overseas event, are heading to Morocco, we would like to acknowledge the incredible support of Edwards Coaches , who are once again sponsoring the return coach for this fundraising event🌟

This local, family run business have sponsored every Velindre overseas event since 2010 saving the charity thousands of pounds each year🚌

They have also supported other local events including the Wales United Against Cancer Walk earlier this year.

It is always a pleasure to work with the team at Edwards!🙌

We are beyond grateful for their ongoing and generous support and look forward to seeing them again on Thursday when we depart for Gatwick for our epic Trek to Morocco, led by our wonderful Patron Rhod Gilbert 🌄

🎂Happy Birthday to our NHS🎂
🎊Penbwydd Hapus i ein GIC🎊

To our incredible team at Velindre and every member of staff within the NHS, thank you for the care and support you provide every single day🙌

Thank you for 76 years of service 🌈

This we want to shine a light on those at Golley Slater who completed at 30 mile walk to celebrate 30 years of Velindre University NHS Trust. 🤩

The walkers started in Tredegar, and made their way down to Velindre Cancer Centre which was a total of 14 hours of walking.🚶

Among the 40 participants are several people whose family members are currently undergoing treatment at Velindre. Ianto Phillips is Golley Slater’s Welsh Language Lead. His mum is receiving treatment at Velindre, and he is the mastermind behind the route. He said:
"We wanted a challenge that would really push us, be accessible to all and ultimately raise lots of money.
“This challenge symbolises the 30 years of Velindre’s support in fighting cancer. With Aneurin Bevan’s birthplace in Tredegar almost exactly 30 miles from Velindre by foot.”

Diolch Golley Slater💚