Jonathan Davies, a Wales rugby legend, recently made a heartwarming visit to the Velindre cancer centre in Cardiff as part of the charity’s ‘Wear Red’ campaign. Jonathan, also known as ‘Jiffy’ Davies, has been a vital figure in the charity’s fundraising efforts, having raised over £50m since he first began supporting Velindre in 2007.
During his visit, Davies spent time with both patients and front-line staff, expressing his gratitude for being able to contribute to such a meaningful cause. As the charity’s president for over a decade, he has played a significant role in generating funds through various initiatives, including his famous bike rides.
Velindre, a leading cancer centre in Wales, has been providing specialised cancer treatments, support, and care for over 1.5 million people in South Wales and beyond since 1956. The annual ‘Wear Red for Wales and Velindre’ campaign is a key event for raising both money and awareness for the charity, usually coinciding with Wales’ first Six Nations match.
During his visit, Davies had the opportunity to interact with the teams funded by Velindre, particularly highlighting the importance of services such as counselling, psychology, and complementary therapy in supporting patients throughout their treatment journeys. He acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide care and support to those in need.
Reflecting on his connection to the cause, Davies shared, “As fundraisers, we’ve connected because we’ve been touched by cancer somehow. Some people want it to go to lung cancer, some want it to go to leukaemia. For me, I just want to raise the money and then it’s given to Velindre.” He emphasised the impact of the charity’s work, noting that seeing firsthand how the funds are utilised underscores the importance of ongoing support.
Donna Mead, the chair of Velindre charity, underscored the vital role that fundraising plays in enabling the charity to provide essential services. She highlighted how fundraising efforts directly support research nurses, clinical nurse specialists, and patient support teams, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and assistance during their cancer journey.
Despite undergoing back and knee surgery last year, Davies remains committed to participating in fundraising events. He acknowledged the challenges of these initiatives, noting, “People might think it’s a jolly, but once you see what we do on the rides or the walks, it’s a challenge.” His dedication to the cause, combined with the inspiring stories of individuals like Riley and Macey, who embarked on a charity walk in memory of their grandad, further motivates Davies to continue his fundraising efforts.
As Davies looks ahead to future fundraising endeavours, he expressed his determination to overcome physical challenges and make a positive impact through his contributions to Velindre. His unwavering commitment to supporting cancer patients and healthcare providers serves as a testament to the power of community, generosity, and compassion in striving towards a common goal of improving cancer care and treatment.