Prioritising Wellbeing at our Brand New Event: Show Cancer The V!
Wellbeing is at the heart of Velindre. At our first ever Show Cancer The V event we put wellbeing first for our participants, thanks to our sponsor: Phillips Wellbeing.
Over the years, we’ve organised some incredible events at Velindre. But for our first ever Show Cancer The V, we wanted to build on our participants’ experience by widening accessibility, making our run options inclusive, and introducing a wellbeing themed area. This has been made possible by our incredible event sponsor, Phillips Wellbeing.
So what did that look like in practice, and how did we make it a reality?
What is the Quiet Run at Show Cancer The V?
The quiet run is a time for those that need a slower pace and a calmer environment. It means anyone can take part in a 1.5km in distance at an earlier time than the rest of the event, away from the noise and commotion.
It is so important to us to provide a quiet run at Show Cancer The V. This is because we recognise the diversity of our participants, and we want the event to be as inclusive as possible, and accessible to all.
The quiet run will have:
No loud noises, and volume of any sound will be held at 30%
Limited footfall before the event officially opens
Stationary marshalls and mascots
Additional support runners available if required
Silent clapping for those supporting, and other runners.
No loud stage guided warm up
At the quiet run, participants have the chance to enjoy the fresh air, chat to others, and jog, wheel or walk together – all for the incredible cause of supporting Velindre. You can complete the 1.5km at a pace you’re comfortable with, at a time of the day where public transport should also be quieter, making your overall event experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
What are Support Runners, and how do they help?
For the first time ever, we were able to provide support runners at Show Cancer The V.
A support runner is an experienced volunteer, and someone who is able to provide reassurance to anyone completing any distance at Show Cancer The V who may be nervous on the day, attending on their own, neurodivergent, or are a first-time runner and need some encouragement.
Support runners are able to provide calm, positive guidance to support runner wellbeing, enabling you to complete whatever distance you choose in a supported way.
Our Support Runners were identifiable on the day wearing their unique Show Cancer The V T-Shirts sporting the slogan ‘Volunteer: Stride by stride, side by side.’ They were there to support you, all thanks to our incredible sponsors Phillips Wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Area in our Event Village
Wellbeing support at Show Cancer The V continues at our first ever Wellbeing Tent. Events like these can get emotional, especially if you have a personal connection to Velindre. This was a space sponsored by Phillips Wellbeing, that provided sanctuary for all those who want to step away from the noise and commotion, or to pause for a moment of reflection.
Inside the tent, we were lucky to be joined by staff members from Velindre who work in psychology and wellbeing specifically – including Wellbeing Project Coordinator, Natalie Stroud, and Senior Engagement Manager for the new Velindre Cancer Centre Hospital, Kate Hammond. They were on-hand to talk to participants about the vital work we do at the Hospital of Hope to promote wellbeing for staff, patients and families alike.
At the Velindre Wellbeing stall inside the tent, there was also the chance to meet Supportive Care Lead and Specialist Nurse at Velindre, Michelle Pengelley, who explained how we go above and beyond for patients during their cancer experience at Velindre – including exhibiting the children’s resources, books and toys funded by the charity.
Show Cancer The V held wellbeing activities that suit everyone – including Morgan, our sports massage therapist, jamboree activites, and a face painting station for our younger supporters. And if you enjoyed Show Cancer The V, there was also a ParkRun stand, for anyone interested in continuing to run!
A huge thank you to Wayne Phillips and Phillips Wellbeing!
We are so grateful to Phillips Wellbeing for sponsoring Show Cancer The V, and providing wellbeing areas and resources to support both the physical and mental health of our participants on the day.
Wayne Phillips, Founder of Phillips Wellbeing, said:
”Velindre holds a special place in the hearts of so many people across Wales, including our team. We’ve worked closely with the charity for many years and have seen first-hand the incredible impact it has on patients and their families.
That’s why we’re proud to support Show Cancer the V. The event perfectly aligns with our mission of promoting wellbeing, resilience and community, while raising vital funds for a truly exceptional cause.”
Kylie McKee, Head of Fundraising and Relationships and Show Cancer The V Event Lead at Velindre Cancer Charity expresses her thanks:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Phillips Wellbeing for their generous support of our first ever Show Cancer the V Fun Run. Their sponsorship is helping us create a fantastic experience for participants while raising funds that will make a real difference to people affected by cancer across South Wales and beyond.”
So, what are you waiting for?
If you want to join #TeamVelindre and you’ve been waiting for the perfect event to come along – why not sign up for early bird access to our next Show Cancer The V 2027?
This event truly has Velindre’s patients, families, staff, and the wider cancer community at its heart – so stand shoulder to shoulder with us and together let’s Show Cancer the V.
Our Story Capture service is a space for patients, relatives, staff and supporters to share their journeys with our charity. Your words have the power to uplift others who may be walking a similar path and offer hope and comfort in challenging times.
If you’d like to share your story, simply complete the form, and our creative team will be in touch soon.
