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Mairs Walk 2008
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Charlotte Church stepped out to raise money for lung research at Velindre Cancer Centre at Mair’s walk. Organised by Mair Ap Gruffydd, a former lung cancer patient at Velindre who was treated by Dr Lester. This was the 2nd Walk that Mair has organised, and after the success of the first event Mair wanted to increase the profile of the 2nd. So Mair managed to persuade Charlotte Church to lend her support by knocking on her door and asking if she would take part! The event received a fantastic amount of support with a variety of walkers from children to a dedicated participant who was suffering from a broken back. We have received over £10,000 for lung cancer research at Velindre and money is still coming in.
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| Mair gave a moving speech about her experiences with lung cancer and why she had chosen to organise the walk: |
  
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Mair gives speech Mair with grandchildren I'm walking for sign
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‘From the day when I heard the dreaded news that I had lung cancer, my life changed forever. Those of you here who have been there will know how frightening the unknown is I am lucky, I have good faith, I believe in another life and I am not afraid of dying, but I did not want to go quite yet. More than anything, I did not want to leave my darling daughters and grandchildren, who mean so much to me. That was my biggest fear to leave them. I can remember thinking how lucky I was to know, I was walking around Tesco’s one day wondering how many people I have passed who have it and do not know.
It was a whirlwind of tests, hospitals, anxious waits for results and then the big question – was it too late for the wonderful Mr Buchard to operate in the Heath. What an ecstatic feeling when he said, ‘in tomorrow and I’ll have that out.’
I was secretly terrified of the next stage, but hid it from my children who had been through enough – they actually believed I enjoyed going out for lunch with my friends to the dreaded Velindre.
Velindre-the name was enough-we’ve all heard of it. It’s a place where other people go. ‘not me’. Oh my God I was going to Velindre. What a surprise I had. It was as if they were waiting for me with open arms to take me on this awful journey to a little corner of Heaven and God was there, God was Dr. Lester –my first contact, who will always be such a very special person to me. When I met him, I knew I was in safe hands and I continued to be in awe at the care and devotion shown to me by them all. They alone know radiotherapy is the loneliest place in the world-you alone have got it and have to go through it- like it or not and they’re there for you with a caring smile and all the empathy in the world Your thoughts play hell with you, do I buy new smaller clothes or will I wear them?
But, never give up, two years ago today Dr Buchard took half my lung away and I hope I can give people hope to see me standing here today. The darkest days can have light at the end and the darkest hour is the one before dawn.
If any of you have to go to Velindre, do not be afraid- amongst other things there’s a good canteen.
I never thought about cancer research- I did not need it-but I certainly benefited and that is why we’re all here today, to help these wonderful people try and find the answers and strive for a cancer free world for our children.
Today would not have been such a success without everyone supporting each other. This has been a massive joint effort and look at the result. Hopefully that life changing day won’t come to any of you but you never know.’
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| All our thanks to Mair for organising a fantastic event and for raising such an amazing amount. Special thanks also to Charlotte Church for taking part and all those who provided help and support and walked the walk! Pictures are courtesy of Rhian Ap Gruffydd and Glyn Evans. |
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If you would like more information on Mair’s walk please visit www.mairs-walk.co.uk
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