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The 14th Annual Megaday event took place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend and has already raised £12,000 for Velindre from door takings on Megaday Sunday. And money has still to come in form all the fantastic fundraising events that make up Megaday, such as the fun run and the six a side football tournament. Last year the total amount raised from the event was £25,000.
Megaday started as a tribute to Andrew Nichols (nicknamed Mega) who sadly died of cancer 13 years ago. In 2001 Paul Grahame, an integral member of the Megaday team who would headline Megaday with his band PG and the Tips, was also lost to cancer.
Although Megaday is dedicated to the memory of Andrew and Paul, it’s also a chance for anyone who has been touched by cancer to celebrate the lives of lost ones in an enjoyable and positive way. Megaday’s sole objective is:
‘To raise as much money as possible for Velindre Cancer Centre, whilst also having much fun as possible.’
Anyone and everyone are welcome to join in. Every penny of profit made at Megaday is given directly to Velindre Cancer Centre for cancer research and care. In its thirteen year history Megaday has raised over £153,000 for Velindre.
Megaday has grown considerably over the last 14 years. What started as a one off small concert to raise a bit of money for Velindre has now turned into a major annual event that lasts just over 2 weeks. Megaday literally kicks off the Saturday before August Bank Holiday weekend with the Megaday six a side football competition.
The Sunday before Megaday weekend also sees the Megaday Fun Run, a 2km run through Caerphilly starting at the Cwrt Rawlin pub and finishing at Caerphilly Rugby Club. The run/walk is always well attended and has all types taking part, from experienced runners who are out to win, to families with pushchairs and people in fancy dress who take part as a bit of fun in aid of a good cause. Saturday evening sees the originals night where the cream of local bands get to showcase their talents on the main stage, in front of a large Megaday crowd. There are many different styles of music performed by an array of different bands who have all written their own material.
Megaday Sunday is more family orientated with bouncy castles and a few other amusements for the kids. On stage, Megaday Sunday always has a mixture of cover bands playing the classics and a few original acts thrown in. A fantastic aerial fireworks display brings Megaday to an explosive end.Megaday Sunday was a great family day out with a band marquee, a dj set in the rugby club, inflatable entertainments and catering facilities. It was six pounds entry and the day ran form 12 noon to 10.30pm in which 11 bands took to the stage.
A big thank you to Steve “Suggs” Sullivan for all the continuing help, dedication and time he gives to Velindre Fundraising and to Anthony Pitcher, Lewis Fall and the Megaday team. All the Megaday team have worked so hard to make another successful event and we would like to thank them for their continued success.
If you would like to find out more about the annual megaday event or would like to volunteer to help in future to continue its success please visit www.megaday.net. You can also contribute to Megaday’s mighty donation via www.justgiving.com/megaday
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