July Fundraising Wrap up
Our fundraisers have had an incredible month, full of ultramarathons, birthday celebrations, memory walks and car racing! We celebrate their amazing achievements below…
Nia and Chris Wade host a birthday fundraiser!
Nia’s mum turned 60 this July, and to celebrate, Nia and Chris threw a fun-filled birthday bash in aid of Velindre.
Chris said: “We’d like to raise money for Velindre who are providing amazing care and support for Nia’s mum, my incredible mother-in-law and the best nanny around.”
The birthday event also included a charity bake sale and raffle and raised an incredible £555 for Velindre Cancer Charity. A big well done to Chris, Nia and everyone who helped and donated!
Visit Nia and Chris’ JustGiving page here.
Paul Mason takes on the Rat Race 100 for Velindre!
Paul Mason took on the mammoth Rat Race 100 on 4th-6th July, running an ambitious 100-mile ultramarathon from Bamburgh to Edinburgh Castle! The race had a cutoff time of 48 hours but Paul managed to complete it in an incredible 28 hours!!
Last June, Paul also participated in the Rat Race: The Wall 70-mile ultramarathon, raising over £3,000 for Velindre!
Paul ran both races for his dad who was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer. Paul said although treatment didn’t work for his dad, his strength and will to fight were what kept Paul going throughout his races. Paul’s dad sadly passed away this year after his 4-year battle with cancer.
Paul said: “We’ve seen first hand what wonderful work Velindre does, and this is my way of supporting and giving back to them.”
Paul described the recent Rat Race 100 event as the most brutal thing he’s ever done, contending with persistent wind, rain, high elevations and running across beaches.
Paul raised a total of £4,700 for Velindre, an incredible amount that will make a real difference. A huge congratulations to Paul for his amazing achievement!
Visit Paul’s JustGiving page here.
A Memory Walk for Darryl Hughes
Friends and colleagues held a walk last month in memory of Darryl Hughes. Colleagues said Darryl, who was an active member of the GSM Automotive Engineering department, will always be remembered for his kind, polite and always helpful demeanour. His friends said: “he was a special person who meant a lot to so many people and we are honoured to have been able to raise this money in his memory.”
Darryl’s friends fondly recalled his “mischievous, wicked and witty sense of humour,” and the fact he always put his family first. They said he was “taken too soon but will always be remembered.”
The group raised £870 for Velindre and we’re so grateful that they chose to donate to Velindre Cancer Charity! Thank you!
Visit the group’s JustGiving page here.
Bob Smith’s 90th birthday fundraiser!
Bob Smith turned 90 this year and decided to host a birthday fundraiser complete with a raffle and plenty of dancing!
Bob said he was supporting Velindre for: “the wonderful care and treatment the hospital gave to my dear wife Anne and son Jonathan, who were taken from us far too soon. I am sure we all know someone who has been affected by cancer and may have received care at Velindre.”
Bob raised a fantastic £1,400 in total for Velindre! A massive well done to Bob!
Visit Bob’s JustGiving page here.
James and Russell Harvey organised a Sprint Day in aid of Velindre!
James and Russell Harvey ran their Sprint Day for the second year in a row this month! And are planning a third event for next year!
The race was held in memory of Russell’s wife and James’ mum, Mandy Harvey, who sadly passed away from cancer in December 2023. The fundraising event was inspired by their Morris Minor van, which Mandy loved and affectionately dubbed the ‘vanette.’
Following the van’s restoration, Russell managed to get it into the race—something Mandy would have been proud of!
The events raised altogether over £5,300 for Velindre—an incredible testament to the hard work Russell and team have put in and we want to say a huge thank you!
Visit Russell and James’ JustGiving page here.
From emotional tributes and personal milestones to physical endurance and community spirit, July has been a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication our supporters bring to fundraising. Every step, every slice of cake, every lap and every laugh has helped raise vital funds for Velindre Cancer Charity. To all of our incredible fundraisers—thank you. Your efforts not only honour loved ones but help us continue providing care, hope, and support to so many.
