August’s Fundraising Wrap Up

This month, Brighter Days Group took advantage of the gorgeous sunshine and held a sponsored walk around Bailey Park in Abergavenny. The group chose Velindre to support the sister of group member who has received a cancer diagnosis – what a lovely, supportive gesture from the group.

To mark their first anniversary as a group and to celebrate their incredible total of over £650, the team held a party – and our Head of Fundraising Kylie McKee came along to meet everyone!

It was fantastic for Kylie to chat with the group and see the amazing results of their teamwork. Everyone who took part should be extremely proud – you have made an impact on the lives of patients, families, and staff at Velindre through your generosity and kindness!

Diolch yn fawr Brighter Days Group!

In October 2024, Emma’s mam Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through surgery in December and then received preventative chemotherapy at Velindre until May 2025. Julie was incredibly brave throughout her diagnosis and treatment, and her family and friends were by her side throughout the experience. Unfortunately, Julie found another lump in her breast in January 2026, and this time the cancer had spread. Julie’s goal was to make it to her 60^th birthday, but unfortunately after an 18-month battle, Julie missed out on her birthday by two months.

Everyone who knew Julie knew of her love of walking mountains – specifically Pen Y fan. To celebrate her life and her 60^th birthday, her family and friends decided to walk Pen Y fan in her honour. The day was full of remembrance and special moments – and it was clear that she was there alongside them for every step.

Emma gave a special mention to Julie’s husband Dorian who had never walked Pen Y Fan before – and completed the climb in just over an hour at age 66! Julie’s best friend Lynne also powered through to the top, despite her health issues, motivated by her love for Julie. Julie’s work friends left an avocado at the top as a tribute to her, as they were Julie’s favourite lunch time snack!

At the top, the group saw an orange butterfly – a sign they associate with Julie, as her favourite blouse had orange butterflies on it.  Emma told us: “Her strength, resilience and determination was in us all while walking”. The team even carried a big memorial sign for her, and each had individual photos of Julie to remind them of why this walk was so important.

It was truly moving to hear Julie’s story and see the photos of her friends and family completing the walk in her memory. What a beautiful way to honour Julie – we can see that she was incredibly loved in her life and is clearly missed and remembered by so many people. We know that she would be so proud of everyone who came together to complete the challenge.

Emma told us: “Velindre cared for Julie with compassion, dignity and kindness throughout her cancer treatment, and we will always be grateful for the incredible support they gave her and our family… We are again so thankful for everything the organisation did for mam, especially her oncologist Dr Anshu Wadhawan who we would like to make a special thank you to”.

We can’t thank Julie’s family and friends enough for this incredibly selfless and kind gesture. Thank you for sharing Julie’s story with us and giving us just a small insight to what an amazing light she was in all of your lives. The funds you have raised will go on to support patients and families in similar positions to your own – and we are truly grateful that you chose to give back in such a special way.