Charity

Pembrokeshire-born dad embarks on epic Wales Coast Path challenge

Published

11 months ago

February 14, 2024

A DAD of two who was diagnosed with incurable and inoperable EGFR+ lung cancer is today (February 14) embarking on an epic fundraising challenge taking on the Wales Coast Path in a bid to raise £1 million.

Craig Maxwell, the WRU’s former head of marketing, will be joined by a number of Welsh celebrities along the way including TV presenter Gethin Jones, Love Island star Liam Reardon, singer Wynne Evans, weather presenter Derek Brockway and a host of rugby players.

He is hoping to raise a monumental £1m for the Maxwell Family Fund, a fund as part of Velindre Cancer Centre, to enhance, improve and develop the cancer pathway in Wales.

Starting in North Wales, cycling from Chester to Menai Bridge, Craig is then being joined by over 500 walkers over the course of the 26-day challenge.

The challenge will see walkers cover 780 miles of the coast path to represent the 78 days it took Craig to receive his diagnosis from the point of finding his tumour. The rest of the 870-mile coast path will be cycled. It is being done in 26 days to mirror the QuicDNA project, a genomics research project to reduce diagnosis time for lung cancer patients to a maximum of 26 days.

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his ongoing treatments, Craig will be joined by a different Welsh celebrity every day of the walk, so that regardless of his ability to walk, he will have a representative to take on the challenge.

A rugby match ball will be relayed the entire distance of the challenge, symbolising Wales’ collective fight against cancer and it will culminate at the national stadium of Wales, the Principality Stadium, on 10th March for the Wales vs. France Guinness Six Nations match, where Craig accompanied by his children, Isla and Zach, will carry the match ball onto the pitch.

Craig says: “We are embarking on a monumental challenge to symbolise hope, resilience, and unity, and raise over £1 million for the research and development of new and innovate cancer testing and treatments in Wales. Having surpassed our initial fundraising goals of £300,000 for QuicDNA, we really hope people will support us on the Wales Coast Path Challenge. It will be our most ambitious journey yet as we strive to create a community united against cancer across the length and breadth of Wales.

“Cancer has touched our lives, challenged our resilience, but it will not define our future. This event will see people from all over Wales stand united, not just as individuals but as a formidable force against cancer.”

The people of Wales are being encouraged to support Craig’s efforts either by joining a leg of the challenge via https://maxwell.foundation or by taking on their own fundraising challenge between 14th February – 10th March via https://velindrefundraising.com. This can be anything from a 1-day walking challenge to walking a mile a day over the 26 days.

Paul Wilkins, director at Velindre Cancer Charity, says: “We are calling on everyone in Wales to support Craig’s efforts by walking what you can and raising what you can. Over the course of the event, 14th February – 10th March 2024, we would like as many of you as possible to get involved by challenging yourself to take on your own walk! This can be any distance, anywhere and at any pace! “We need your help to get as many people involved as possible, so reach out to your local walking groups, clubs, school or workplace and arrange a challenge for you all to get involved in!

“We wanted to make sure everyone and anyone could join us in being part of a Wales United Against Cancer. Every step and every penny will help create a difference to cancer patients and their families here in Wales.

“For those unable to walk, but still keen to support, you can text WALK24 to 70191 to donate £10.”

Craig was just 40 when he was diagnosed with incurable and inoperable EGFR lung and bone cancer. In the face of adversity, having told he had a limited time to live, he has thrown himself into raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help others detect cancer earlier.

Over the last year, he has run the London Marathon, taken part in CARTEN, cycled 320 miles from Cardiff to Paris, cycled over 420 miles from Paris to Bordeaux and taken on the Welsh 3000s – climbing over 10 mountains, all over 3,000ft in 24 hours. Earlier this year, he was crowned Cycling Plus’ Rider of the Year for his efforts.

His story has touched the hearts of many, rallying support that surpassed all expectations. His efforts to date have seen him raise £430,000 to support the QuicDNA project, which aims to shorten the time it takes to diagnose lung cancer in patients in Wales. With a further £500,000 donated by The Moondance Foundation, set up by Henry and Diane Engelhardt, Craig has now launched his own charity fund.

The Maxwell Family Fund aims to enhance, improve and develop the cancer pathway in Wales. Administered and supported by Velindre, with support from the Moondance Foundation and All Wales Genomics, the fund will aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families in Wales.

Craig continues: “I’m proud to launch the Maxwell Family Fund, where hope, courage, and community converge in the fight against cancer in Wales. This is the start of my family and friends creating a legacy and showing my children that even at the worst time possible, you can still rise up and be positive and make a difference.”

Professor Tom Crosby OBE, consultant oncologist in Velindre Cancer Centre, says: “Craig is one of the most inspirational people I have met. His drive to improve the outcome for others who experience cancer is just phenomenal. That together with his ability to articulate the issues to the wider public, and his experience and expertise at improving how systems work, is amazing, yet humbling at the same time. We are just so grateful to him and his choice to partner with Velindre in delivering his vision, now through QuicDNA but also in the future through a legacy fund.”

To find out more visit https://maxwell.foundation and Wales United Against Cancer Walk | Velindre Fundraising.

Charity

RSPCA issues advice as Storm Éowyn moves in across the UK from today

Published

12 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE RSPCA is urging animal owners to follow urgent advice to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe as the Met Office warns Storm Éowyn will bring very strong wind gusts across the UK from today (Thursday 22 January).

Most parts of England and Wales are likely to experience the storm with the Met Office predicting the worst impacts from Storm Éowyn to be felt early on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in southwestern parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall. This is forecast to quickly spread northeast to other parts of the UK during Friday morning.

Yellow weather warnings predict heavy rain will move from the west to east of England and Wales – bringing strong and gusty winds, expected to reach 50-60 mph (80-96 kph) over exposed coasts and hills, whilst amber weather warnings are in place in some locations for Friday (24 January), with wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (145km per hour) along the northwest and northeast of England.

***Thursday’s wind warning (Image: MET OFFICE)***

The RSPCA has approximately 32 specially-trained officers and a fleet of emergency rescue boats that can be launched for water rescues of animals. The water rescue teams are trained to operate in fast-flowing and contaminated water, and can be called upon to assist in rescuing animals, people and provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.

Animal owners are advised to keep an eye on local forecasts and check for warnings, and the animal charity is also calling on people to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of animals – as rising water levels and strong winds take a toll on the natural habitats of wild fowl and other wildlife.

RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator said: “It’s really important we once again help our animal friends get through this bout of bad weather this week, which could possibly lead to flooding and other damage caused by very strong gusts of wind. Animals must not be forgotten as the country prepares for Storm Éowyn.

“Floodwater can rise very quickly so if there is a flood warning in your area then act early – make sure you have a plan so that you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding.

“We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe, and we’d urge animal lovers to help us by spreading these potentially lifesaving messages.

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough supplies for their needs. Horses or livestock in flooded fields is also a big concern whenever there is heavy rain forecast, so while we’ve not had to launch any rescues yet, we are urging pet owners and farmers to act now to ensure the safety of their animals.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they can leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

RSPCA tips for pet owners during heavy rainfall and flood risk

Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency;
Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted;
Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation;
Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry;
Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost and ensure microchip details are up-to-date and registered;
Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies;
If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue.

If the worst does happen and if flooding does leave animals in danger, members of the public should be careful not to take risks with their own safety by attempting animal rescues.

It is best to leave that to the experts. The RSPCA’s trained officers are equipped to deal with flood-stricken animals and work as part of Defra’s National Flood Response to help rescue stranded animals.

Jason added: “Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and instead call us and other response agencies for help in an emergency.”

Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents should seek updates from Natural Resources Wales..

To see all RSPCA flood advice for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s guide online: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods.

There’s information on the RSPCA website about what to do if you see an animal in distress.

Charity

Child of Wales Awards unveils headline sponsor and opens nominations

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ON the heels of a hugely successful event in Swansea in 2024, the Child of Wales Awards has announced its new headline sponsor and the official opening of nominations for its 2025 event, set for January 25, 2025.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, has entered into a year-long partnership with the awards. This partnership culminates in the annual ceremony that celebrates the achievements and resilience of Wales’ young people while raising funds for children’s charities across the nation.

A community-focused partnership
With a network of 62 sites across the UK, Ascona Group serves more than 300,000 customers weekly and employs over 850 people. Recognized as one of the top 10 independent forecourt operators in the UK, the company has a strong commitment to supporting local communities.

Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona Group, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Child of Wales Awards. It’s a privilege to support an event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of young individuals and their families across Wales. The awards shine a light on inspirational stories of courage and determination, and we are proud to play a part in recognizing these incredible children. At Ascona Group, our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and supporting the Child of Wales Awards is a huge honor.”

Recognising extraordinary achievements
Now in its fourth year, the Child of Wales Awards will once again honor the remarkable accomplishments of young people across the nation. The event promises to be an emotional and inspirational evening, attracting media personalities, celebrities, sports stars, and entertainers to the Swansea Arena.

The awards feature 11 categories celebrating personal courage, sporting and creative achievements, environmental activism, community service, and fundraising efforts. Nominations are open to children under 18 based in Wales, and submissions are free. Eligible nominees include those who have overcome illnesses, disabilities, bullying, or discrimination, or who have excelled in sports or the arts despite significant challenges.

How to get involved
Nominations can be submitted via the Child of Wales Awards website, where full details of the categories are available. A panel of judges, comprising representatives from award sponsors, celebrities, and independent advisors, will have the tough task of selecting the winners.

Businesses across Wales continue to lend their support to the awards. Alongside Ascona Group, other sponsors include Blue Tiger Marketing, Mrs Bucket, Swansea Building Society, Trade Centre Wales, Gower College, Castell Howell, Princes Gate, Westacres, and Team Wales. Opportunities remain for businesses to sponsor categories, purchase tables, or donate auction prizes to support the event.

Founder Blanche Sainsbury expressed her excitement about the 2025 awards, saying:
“After the success of the 2024 event, we are thrilled to partner with Ascona Group and open nominations for the Child of Wales Awards 2025. These awards highlight an extraordinary group of young people who inspire those around them with their courage and determination. We’re excited to return to Swansea Arena and look forward to announcing the incredible performers who will join us in celebrating these young stars. We invite businesses to get involved and join us in honoring the real heroes of Wales – these amazing children.”

To sponsor the event, book a table, or donate an auction prize, contact Blanche Sainsbury at [email protected].

The Child of Wales Awards 2025 promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the resilience, determination, and compassion of Wales’ most inspiring young people.

Charity

Women take on Three Peaks Challenge to support mental health services

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TEN inspirational women are set to tackle the iconic National Three Peaks Challenge on June 7, 2025, to raise vital funds for PATH – Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless.

Motivated by the support they received through free counselling provided by Pathway Counselling, these women are embarking on this ambitious challenge to help fund mental health services offered by the charity.

The gruelling challenge, organised by Lucy Brazier with the support of Aspire Fitness and Charlotte Neill, will see the group climb the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Snowdon in Wales (1,085m) – all within a 24-hour timeframe. In total, the event involves 23 miles of walking and 450 miles of driving between the mountains.

Lucy Brazier, the organiser, expressed the group’s determination to succeed in this challenge, stating: “We are doing this to give back to the services that helped us through difficult times. Mental health support is crucial, and we hope our efforts will make a difference to others who need help.”

The challenge is not just a test of physical endurance but also a significant fundraising effort. Donations can be made through the group’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/nationalthreepeaks.

PATH has been instrumental in supporting individuals struggling with homelessness and mental health issues across Pembrokeshire. The funds raised will ensure the continuation of essential services that positively impact lives.

The team is calling on the community to rally behind them and support their mission. Every donation, no matter how small, will help them reach their goal and make a difference.

For more updates on the challenge and to show your support, visit the JustGiving page and follow PATH’s social media channels.