October has come to a close, and what a busy month it has been. Autumn has brought chillier weather that’s here to stay – but that hasn’t stopped our fantastic fundraisers from going above and beyond this past month! From triathlons to pub quizzes,we’ve loved seeing the amazing ways you’ve supported Velindre. We’ve highlighted some of your incredible achievements below. Well done, October #TeamVelindre fundraisers! 💚
Our Cardiff Half Marathon Runners did incredibly this October!
#TeamVelindre was bigger and better than ever at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon 2026. Over 350 supporters ran and raised funds for Velindre Cancer Charity – that’s 170 more runners than last October! Each runner brought their inspiring energy to our charity stall, sharing their stories and of course, leaving with their own piece of Velindre merchandise, our funky Velindre socks.
We want to congratulate every runner on their achievement. No matter what time you ran the race in, you took on an incredible distance and raised crucial funds for Velindre Cancer Service. Money that will hold impact in so many different ways through our hospital corridors. Thank you to all cardiff half runners – da iawn pawb!
Rachel and Scott’s Gower Sprint Triathlon!
Rachel explains that the challenge had it’s difficulties: ‘I’d finished the swim and was dragging myself up a hill that just wouldn’t give in when Scott caught me up. He was very kind and stayed with me for the bike ride… given he had to wait for me at the top of a few hills 🐌😂’
Highgate Tranportation take on a London to Paris cycle
Fiona and Judith, from Highgate Transportation, completed a hugely impressive 180 mile cycle over three days, from London to Paris, raising more than £1,300 for Velindre!
Fiona describes how the cycle went:
‘What an adventure it was! We had an absolutely fantastic time, although it certainly wasn’t without its challenges! From very early starts and some rather challenging hills to a last-minute ferry cancellation (and hence unplanned overnight sailing) and a few unexpected dramas along the way, it was certainly an amazing and unforgettable experience.
The camaraderie throughout the ride was incredible, and we met some truly wonderful people. Arriving in Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower was such a special moment, and it made every mile worthwhile. There were plenty of laughs, a few tears and an enormous sense of achievement at the finish line. We are both incredibly proud to have completed the challenge and, more importantly, to have raised funds for such a worthwhile cause. It really was an unforgettable experience, and we are so grateful for everyone’s support.’
A huge well done from us – or should we say, bravo, bien joué!
Katy Weare ran the Great South Run
Katy Weare ran the Great South Run for Velindre this month. Congratulations Katy! Katy shares her experience during the run, and why she wanted to fundraise for Velindre specifically:
‘I chose to complete the Great South run (it was a 10-mile race so a nice distance for me) as I wanted to raise money for Velindre as a thank you from me for all the compassionate care Velindre have been providing to my mum.
Everyone we have met this past year have been so kind and attentive since cancer came into our lives unexpectedly, from the catering staff to staff on the wards, the radiotherapy unit, the helpline, the remote follow up appointments, the pharmacy team.
I wanted to be able to try and show my gratitude by fundraising, and I felt so proud to wear my Velindre vest on Sunday and represent you. I felt a bit emotional at the start line and I was absolutely bursting with pride seeing the finish line, thinking we did this together.
Mum had a beautiful wig when she had her chemotherapy, this helped her to feel confident and took away her looking so unwell and being associated with illness and cancer. Mum didn’t pay for her wig and I was blown away, I thought if I can help someone else to have a wig when they’re going through treatment that would mean a lot to me.
My reason to fundraise is to raise awareness of what Velindre do, and to help to raise money to help other families like mine.
Thank you doesn’t seem enough to share how grateful I am to all of the team at Velindre. I shall certainly be looking at more fundraising ideas!’
What beautiful words. Thank you so much for your kindness and support Katy.
Andrew, Mark, and Raymond completed a 120-mile cycle in memory of Simon
Andrew, Mark, and Raymond cycled an epic 120 miles, all the way from Cwmbran to Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham – a tradition the family have kept up for 8 years, since Andrew lost his brother Simon, to bowel cancer. Simon was treated at Velindre – so Andrew’s reason for organising the annual cycle was deeply personal. He shares his story, and how the cycle went, below:
We chose to fundraise for Velindre this year because I know many people who have received treatment with you, including my brother Simon Pearce (who passed away from Bowel Cancer 9 years ago today aged 44) and a colleague from work who is currently undergoing treatment.
A group of my brother’s friends and family have done a 120-mile bike ride from Simon’s home in Cwmbran to his (and our) favourite football club, Aston Villa Fc in Birmingham. We have done this 8 times now in memory of Simon and to raise money for good causes like yours.
This year Mark Wyatt, Raymond Hall and I cycled the journey over 2 days. We have Simon’s widow Katie and our friend Ashley Higgins providing car support. Day 1 Cwmbran to Tewkesbury 70 miles and then Day 2 Tewkesbury to Aston, Birmingham.The weather was kind to us on Day 1 – no rain but we got soaked briefly on Day 2. We have many stories to tell over what has happened over these journeys – falling off bikes, punctures, being soaked several times over but we know whatever we face there are people going through much worse each day and that what drives us on.
I am old enough to remember Michael Caine being interviewed on Parkinson and a piece of advice he was given …use the difficulty – make something very negative a positive – so we turned my brother’s death into something positive – remembering him with fondness and raising money for good causes in his name. We have raised over £15k so far (including gift Aid) and hopefully done Simon proud – he was a great believer in fighting for those who needed help.
Up the Villa !
Alison completed her first Marathon for her 70th birthday
Alison ran her first ever marathon, to mark her 70th Birthday and support Velindre – an incredible feat! She shared how the run went and why she chose to support Velindre:
‘I wasn’t sure I could do a full marathon, and the training was tough, especially fitting in the long runs. Thankfully I had a wonderful group of running friends who kept me company and kept me going! I had originally booked Edinburgh Marathon in May, but caught a stomach bug the week before so had to pull out. I didn’t want to waste all the training though, so booked Chester for October and carried on training through the summer.
On the day of the race I was really nervous at the start, but everyone was really friendly. Chester is a beautiful place and a it’s a lovely route – the second half was really tough and quite hilly but I managed to keep going – just! My time of 5.40 was a bit slower than I hoped, but crossing the finishing line was amazing and very emotional! I’ve said never again, but never say never 🙂
I wasn’t confident enough to raise funds during training, but had always said if I finished the marathon, I would definitely do so for Velindre. I’ve seen through close friends the wonderful work you do. I had no idea of the range of services you provide, and the support you give is invaluable to cancer patients and their families.
Diolch yn fawr Alison, incredibly impressive!’
The Rowan Tree fundraise for Velindre through events and quizzes!
The Rowan Tree Pub in Caerphilly have fundraised a few times for Velindre – holding an event all the way back in August Bank Holiday Weekend, with live music from bands and singers.
This October they’ve done something amazing again, by choosing Velindre as the charity of the month ofr thier monthly quiz!
As pictured, the team had a cheque presentation displaying the incredible £1,120 they raised for the Hsopital of Hope.
Thank you so much to the team for thinking of us and supporting multiple times – we’re very grateful for your contribution! Diolch yn fawr!
Rachel and her family raised total of £12,416.8 through multiple activities!
Rachel, her family and friends have raised a phenomenal total of £12,416.83 for Velindre through multiple activities recently, including the recent Victory Over Cancer Llanelli Trek! The family thanks PureGym Cardiff Gate and Minis Baked for their contributions as well towrads reaching this incredible fundraising amount – fantastic efforts all!
Patrick ran the Dublin Marathon for Velindre!
Patrick completed the Dublin Marathon and fundraised for Velindre this month! He achieved a time of 3:14:00, with an 8 minute PB, despite it being the hardest marathon he’s done – incredible work Patrick, well done!
Patrick shares how the run went: ‘It went really well, it was probably the hardest marathon Ive done with the wind and hills, so it was very emotional crossing the finish line. I’ve been blown away by the support and donations for a charity which means so much to me ?? Thank you, and all the staff at Velindre who do such great things! I look forward to doing more fundraising for the charity in the future!’
Sian ran the Frankfurt Marathon!
Sian took on an incredible feat this October – completing the Frankfurt Marathon, while raising funds for Velindre.
On her fundraising page, she explains the reasons behind her support of the cancer service:
‘This race is in memory of my beautiful friend Helen who we lost to cancer earlier this year and also a thank you to Velindre for taking such good care of my father in law a few years ago and for looking after our extremely special friend Jon this last few years, we are so grateful to you. These people and are incredibly brave and inspiring as was my auntie when she faced cancer, if I can be half as strong as these people on race day I’ll be OK.’
Raising a total of £1500 and counting! Well done you Sian for not only completing a tough race, but for doing something so inspiring, and making a difference for patients at Velindre in the meantime.
Ian trekked from Newport to Chepstow Castle- and back!
Ian completed a Castle Walk, trekking 29 miles from his home in Newport to Chepstow Castle and back! He was joined by his son, Callum.
Ian’s reason for fundraising and taking on the walk is deeply personal: ‘Velindre have, and are helping my own personal family members, and friends, and their family’s , at the most challenging of times, their work, commitment and dedication is second to none.’
‘So, on Saturday 10th October, I will be walking from my home in Newport, to Chepstow Castle, and back, around twenty-nine miles in total, to help raise much needed funds for this amazing centre. I’ll be setting off at 7AM in the morning, hopefully finish around 5PM in the afternoon.’
Ian, you’ve done something amazing. Thank you from all of us at Velindre!
Katy ran and completed Tenby 10km!
Katy ran and completed Tenby 10km run this October 25th to raise money for Velindre, and in support of her Aunty who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Katy shares that how the run went and her reasons for taking part below:
‘On October 25th, I’ll be running the Tenby 10km to raise money for Velindre, a charity that has become incredibly close to my heart. My Aunty is currently going through an aggressive course of chemotherapy, and after each of her first three rounds, she has sadly ended up in hospital with infections and complications. It has been an incredibly difficult and frightening time for our family, but the care, support and compassion provided by Velindre has meant more to us than I can put into words. I know that 10km is a small challenge compared with what my Aunty is facing, but I wanted to do something to show just how grateful we are. Every donation will help Velindre continue to support other families going through this.’
Katy has raised £415 (plus Gift Aid), smashing her target of £250. Well done Katy!!
Gwydion completed a half marathon, at none other than the Great Wall of China!
Gwydion completed a half marathon, at none other than the Great Wall of China – raising money for the Hospital of Hope. He described the challenge as ‘Really touch but an amazing experience!’. Marvellous achievement!
Jenny got married and swapped wedding gifts for donations!
Jenny Yeo got married in October, and asked for donations to Velindre in lieu of wedding presents. The wedding party raised an incredible £885 – thank you so much, and a huge congratulations from #TeamVelindre!
John ran the Abingdon Marathon for Velindre!
John completed the Abingdon Marathon this October to raise funds for Velindre.
John wanted this marathon to be meaningful, to give back to the cancer service because of the outstanding support his family has received, sharing:
‘I am doing so with a heart full of gratitude for the care and kindness my family has received.
Velindre has been there for my mother-in-law during her treatment, and it supported my wonderful wife throughout 3 years of care until she was free from cancer. Those experiences have shown me just how deeply Velindre touches the lives of patients and families, offering compassion, hope, and expert support when it is needed most.’
Thank you John and well done on such an amazing achievement!
We are beyond proud of everyone who has dedicated their time and effort in October – thank you for your incredible efforts!
We are so lucky to have fundraisers who continuously dedicate their time and effort to the patients, staff, and families at the Hospital of Hope. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to fund the support, research, and development at Velindre. We cannot thank you enough, and we can’t wait to see what October brings!
Feeling inspired by our amazing October fundraisers?
Why not give it a try…
