May has brought some gorgeous sunshine – and our amazing fundraisers have kept the momentum going from last month! From the hugely popular 10 Y Fan to street busking and dog shows, their creativity and dedication have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s been another fantastic month of going the extra mile (and then some!) for Velindre! We’re so proud of everyone who’s been part of #TeamVelindre this month — it’s time to take a look at what our brilliant May fundraisers have been up to!
Appleby Dancers Raise Hundreds for Velindre!
Many of you may remember our case study on Maria and her father Michael, who we featured in a case study earlier this year. Ella-Louise Appleby, Director of Appleby Dance and Michael’s granddaughter, organised the fundraising efforts to say thank you for the wonderful care Michael and the family received at Velindre. She told us “The support was second to none and everyone there is so friendly. I cannot thank those at Velindre enough for all they have done not just for my Grandad but being there for my family too”.
Ella-Louise announced the total to huge excitement from pupils and families who had worked so hard to fundraise! From buying raffle tickets, donating directly, volunteering to help sell tickets, and donating prizes, the whole community really came together in support!
Young Ambassador Ffion Takes on the Pretty Muddy!
Ffion has been a Young Ambassador for Velindre for seven years – and she has supported us in so many ways! From meeting patients to contributing ideas towards the new hospital designs, Ffion has made an incredible difference over the last few years.
She is always looking for new ways to fundraise, and now that she’s 14, she decided to sign up to the adult Pretty Muddy – something that would be fun, but also a bit of a challenge to get stuck into! When her mum had to pull out, Ffion’s friend Maggie stepped in and the girls completed the race together!
Ffion told us “The atmosphere was fab, with so many people clapping and cheering us on”. The girls ran the whole 5km and – as per the event name – got pretty mud at every obstacle! It took Ffion half an hour to wash the mud out of her hair, but according to her “it was worth it”.
We are so proud to have such a kind, caring Young Ambassador like Ffion taking on these amazing challenges in aid of Velindre. Over the years, Ffion has done us so proud and made an incredible impact through her fundraising and volunteering. Thank you so much Ffion!
Martine, Millie and Eira Complete 100 Miles In A Month!
Martine and her two daughters, Millie and Eira, set themselves the challenge to complete 100 miles in the month of April – and they absolutely smashed it!
Doing the challenge was a way for the family to get out and spend time together during a difficult month. 2 years ago, the family lost their beloved mother and nan. Martine and the girls aimed to finish their challenge on 25th April, which was the 2-year anniversary of her mother’s passing. Choosing this day to finish their challenge was a way for the family to focus on being together, remembering their mother and nan, and raising money for an incredible cause.
Millie and Eira were so proud to raise funds in their Nan’s name for Velindre – particularly as she always spoke so highly of the care she received from the staff and services. Martine told us “My mother always spoke amazing words about everyone who works at Velindre. Thank you for all your support.”
We’d like to say a huge well done to Martine, Millie, and Eira for completing this challenge! The money you raised will make a huge difference at Velindre – you’ve truly honoured your mother and nan with your kindness and generosity. Thank you so much!
Robert Takes On 10 Y Fan!
When Robert was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, it was a huge shock. During this frightening time, Robert was reassured by the wonderful support he received at Velindre. He told us “Whilst there were some dark days, the people at Velindre made it much more manageable. From Mr Webster and the team… I remember the friendliness of the radiotherapy staff and the ladies on the reception desk with a little smile, saying “Have a seat, Robert” when I wasn’t able to speak.”
Having experienced such a high level of care and warmth at Velindre, Robert wanted to fundraise to give back to the staff and services. Although 10 Y Fan was brutal and he sometimes felt like giving up, the donations from his friends and family kept him powering on and he completed the challenge! Robert was delighted to stand out in his colourful Velindre Charity jersey – and even more delighted to donate his funds to Velindre.
Thank you so much for your fundraising efforts, Robert – we wish you all the best!
Cheryl Completes 10 Y Fan!
Cheryl also took on the 10 Y Fan challenge in aid of Velindre. For Cheryl, this was a way to give back to the charity, as a number of her friends and family members have received support from us recently.
Cheryl told us “Even through their darkest times, they have always said how fantastic the staff and support from Velindre has been”. It’s truly touching to hear that our support has helped people during some of the most difficult times – and we are so humbled that Cheryl has decided to honour her friends and family by raising funds for us.
Dog Show Raises Over £700 for Velindre!
The Pencoed Silver Strummers Entertain at Porthcawl!
On a lovely sunny day in Porthcawl, the Pencoed Silver Strummers took to the streets for a few hours of busking!
The team had a great time, entertaining passersby on a busy Friday and raising vital funds for Velindre. Gary told us “There was much interaction with the audience and the weather held” – the team even managed to raise over £300, which is a fantastic success!
Thank you so much to the Pencoed Silver Strummers for their fundraising efforts!
Lucy Smashes 15,000 Steps A Day In March!
For Lucy, this was a deeply personal challenge. During the last 18 months, Velindre have “played a crucial role” in caring for Lucy’s brother, who is currently undergoing treatment with the services. Lucy told us “I wanted to try and give something back to this amazing charity”.
Over 31 days in March, Lucy completed 15,000 steps a day – finishing her final day in California on a school trip!
A huge well done to Lucy for completing her challenge – and a massive thank you for doing it in aid of Velindre. We wish your brother all the best as he continues his treatment!
Stephen’s 10 Y Fan Challenge!
Stephen took on the 10 Y Fan challenge this month, which he found very well organised and supported. He was touched by how many of the entrants recognised and acknowledged his Velindre t-shirt – a lovely thing for us to hear!
Stephen found the challenge mentally tough more than physically, particularly at night when climbing through the thick fog. By the 10th climb at Sunday midday, Stephen recalls feeling “utterly exhausted but equally elated” to know he had completed the huge challenge!
Stephen chose Velindre as a way to give back – he has known a few people who have had “great care and treatment at Velindre over years”, and wanted to take this opportunity to make a difference.
Stephen also attended a special stand-up show at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival hosted by Rhod Gilbert, which also raised funds for the charity – which he described as very good!
Thank you, Stephen, for everything you’ve done to support the charity – your donations will make a huge impact to our patients, families and staff!
A Special Walk In Memory of Joe
Just over 6 months ago, Sally’s husband Joe sadly passed away. To honour his memory and mark the 6-month milestone, Sally and their two children Ollie and Harry decided to complete a walk. This was their way of remembering a cherished husband and father who is deeply missed – and they gathered family and friends together to share and unite in their love for Joe. Joe’s best friends Chaney, Kirk and Tom – the Welsh 3 Peaks champions – also came along to take part in this latest challenge.
Sally told us “We wanted to show our appreciation to the fantastic hospital that supported Joe throughout his cancer journey and for all the amazing care he received”. It was a truly special day filled with memories of Joe, supporting each other along the walk, and raising money for a “fantastic cause”.
As Joe was a serving Gwent Police officer, the team organised a helicopter fly off at one of the rest stops along the way as a special touch.
It’s clear that Joe was such a beloved husband, father, family member, and friend to so many people. The day was a true testament to the love and dedication everyone had for Joe, and we’re so touched that Sally and her family chose to raise funds for Velindre on such a significant day.
Thank you so much Sally, Ollie, and Harry!
It’s been an outstanding month of fundraising!
May has been a true testament to the creativity, passion, and dedication of our amazing fundraisers. With a whole range of events and challenges, it’s clear that no matter what the activity or idea – Velindre is at the heart!
Time and time again, our supporters go above and beyond – and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by such kindness and commitment. Your efforts, energy, and ideas continue to inspire us every single day.
Thank you for being part of #TeamVelindre — we can’t wait to see what next month brings!
Feeling inspired by our incredible May fundraisers?
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