June Fundraising Wrap Up
Our incredible fundraisers have been at it again! From half marathons, sponsored car washes and hiking, we celebrate their amazing achievements in this June fundraising wrap…
Lifelong Friends Sarah and Clare Raise Over £2,000 for Velindre with Epic Windermere Swim
We’re incredibly grateful to Sarah and Clare, two lifelong friends who took on the huge challenge of swimming 5K in Lake Windermere to raise funds for Velindre in memory of Sarah’s mum. Friends since they began their nurse training together in 1984, the pair signed up for the swim before Christmas as motivation to get back into the water. They committed to swimming for 90 minutes, three times a week, and regularly trained at Vobster Quarry to build up their confidence in open water. Once they were sure they could complete the challenge, they decided to turn it into a fundraiser—and we are so honoured they chose Velindre.
On the day, nerves kicked in early, but Sarah and Clare powered through the tough conditions and completed the 5K course in just over two hours. Their determination and teamwork paid off, and they crossed the finish line having raised over £2,000 for Velindre Cancer Charity. We’re so thankful for their incredible effort and generosity, and proud to have been part of their inspiring journey.
View their JustGiving page here.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service host a charity car wash!
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service swapped fire hoses for sponges this month and organised a charity car wash. Thanks to their hard work, the team raised an amazing £720 for Velindre! A huge well done to the team!
Ben Gillett Conquers the Devil Dragon Ride and Raises Over £1,000 in Honour of His Mum
Ben Gillett recently completed the gruelling 296km Devil Dragon route as part of the Dragon Ride cycling event, finishing the challenge in an impressive 13 hours and 12 minutes. Through his remarkable effort, Ben raised over £1,000 for Velindre, a cause close to his heart.
His fundraising was in honour of his mum, Linda Gillett, who received outstanding care at Velindre earlier this year. Linda was admitted to the First Floor Ward in February 2025 and discharged in March after being nursed back to health. Ben expressed deep gratitude for the kindness, patience, and compassion shown by every member of staff, describing Velindre as a truly special and unique place. His journey is a moving tribute not only to his endurance on the bike but also to the care that made such a meaningful difference to his family.
You can view his fundraising page here: Ben’s JustGiving Page.
Tathams Charity Golf Day Raises £5,600 for Velindre – And Plans Are Already Teed Up for 2026!
What a day it was at the first-ever Tathams Charity Golf Day, held at Whitchurch Golf Club in Cardiff! Hosted by Tathams Estate Agents in support of Velindre Cancer Charity, the event was a huge success—raising an incredible £5,600. With the weather on side, players, sponsors, and supporters came together to make it an unforgettable day of golf and giving. A massive thank you goes out to everyone who took part and to the fantastic team at Whitchurch GC for their warm hospitality. The event was such a hit that Tathams has already booked in their 2026 Charity Golf Day—same time, same place. We can’t wait!
Incredible £9,453 Donated to Velindre by Longstanding Supporters Over 16 Years
We are incredibly grateful to Keyvan Ghaemmaghami, Paul Edwards, and Donna Phillips for their extraordinary donation of £9,453, generously raised over the past 16 years in support of Velindre Cancer Charity. It was a pleasure to welcome Keyvan and Paul to the office for a cheque presentation and to personally thank them for their long-standing dedication. Their continued support has made a real difference, and we are so appreciative of their commitment to helping us provide vital care and support to patients and families.
CAF Newport’s Epic 500-Mile Ride Raises Over £1,400 for Velindre
CAF Newport took on an unforgettable two-day charity Ride Out across Wales, raising over £1,400 as part of their Charity of the Year fundraising for Velindre. Covering 500 miles and visiting eight rail heritage sites, the team braved heavy rain, wrong turns, and even a lost number plate—bringing plenty of humour and heart to the journey. From unexpected detours to drone drama, it was a ride full of mayhem and memories, all in support of a cause close to their hearts. Huge thanks to everyone who took part and donated!
View their JustGiving page here.
Walkers Spotlight
Withers & Rogers Climb Pen Y Fan in Memory of Colleague, Raising £2,370 for Velindre
Withers and Rogers, an intellectual property law firm from Bristol, climbed Pen Y Fan in Brecon on 6th June. Braving the wind, rain and fog, they raised incredible £2,370 for Velindre in memory of their colleague, Matt Gillard.
Matt’s colleagues remembered how he liked to spend his free time climbing mountains in Wales, so taking on Pen Y Fan seemed like a fitting fundraising challenge to do in his name. A huge congratulations to everyone that took part and donated!
Visit the team’s JustGiving page here.
ABUHB Interventional Radiology & Mermaid Medical took on the Lake District 5 peak challenge!
The Gwent Interventional Radiology team, in collaboration with Mermaid Medical, braved the unpredictable British summer to complete the 25km that makes up the Lake District 5 Peak Challenge. With tired legs but determined spirits, the team ascended the 5 peaks, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain and smashed their fundraising goal—raising over 1.5 times their target. A true show of teamwork all in support of the fight against cancer, they raised an impressive £1,180 for Velindre! A massive congratulations to the whole team!
Visit the team’s JustGiving page here.
Runners Spotlight
Eve Bednall runs the Leeds Half Marathon!
Eve Bednall raised a fantastic £330 for Velindre! Running on a very hot day in Leeds, Eve finished the race in an incredible 2 hours and 22 minutes!
Eve said: “I wanted to add my gratitude for the work you do at Velindre the centre has done wonders for my family for a couple of years now! Currently the team is supporting my grannie through her second cancer diagnosis she is an absolute trooper and wouldn’t be fighting as hard without your support! So thank you!!”
Steve Oakley completes Swansea Half Marathon!
Steve Oakley completed the Swansea Half Marathon with an incredible time of 1 hour 37 minutes, a new personal best!
Steve ran in great weather and was cheered on by other Velindre runners and supporters.
Steve said: “What a great feeling and privilege it was to run for your amazing charity!”
Visit Steve’s JustGiving page here.
The difference you make
With the unwavering support of our fundraisers and donors, we can invest in innovative new technologies that help provide exceptional care for our patients.
One project, led by the first charity-funded palliative care research fellow, Dr Elin Harding, has developed wearable QR code wristbands for palliative care patients. Elin is aiming to improve quick response care in emergency situations by ensuring paramedics have immediate access to up-to-date healthcare information and treatment plans. By bringing this transformative new technology to Velindre and beyond, we’re ensuring our patients receive the right palliative care according to their wishes. Speaking about what it’s like conducting her research at Velindre, Elin said:
“I feel very lucky to be in the role that I’m in and working alongside patients. I feel at home here, we all share the same values and we want to do the best for our patients. The research we’re doing can make a really big impact.”
By supporting us, you drive forward transformative technologies and projects whose outcomes directly benefit our patients.
Thank you!
