One of Wales’ leading communications agency, Golley Slater, is set to make history as the team gear up for a charity challenge to celebrate 30 years of Velindre University NHS Trust.
On Friday, 14 June, 40 team members will take on the #DiolchVelindre challenge and walk an impressive 30 miles in just one day. They’ll start in Tredegar, the birthplace of NHS founder, Aneurin Bevan, and end at Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch.
A trek not for the faint-hearted, the participants will brave 14 hours of rigorous walking, navigating Wales’ valleys and tackling challenging terrain before conquering the final stretch along the Taff Trail.
Among the 40 participants are several people whose family members are currently undergoing treatment at Velindre. Gwen Davies (26), from Builth Wells, is an Account Manager at the agency and challenge instigator. She said:
“After an unexpected diagnosis earlier this year, my mum has been receiving incredible treatment at Velindre. We’re so grateful for the support the charity has offered the family – but it’s her incredible strength and determination on her cancer journey that motivated me to set up this challenge.
“With a few of my colleagues going through a similar situation to me, we were trying to think of a way to rally the team to raise money for Velindre. Last year we raised over £5,000 for City Hospice by doing the Cardiff Bay 10k, but this year we wanted to step it up.”
Ianto Phillips (32), from Cardiff, is Golley Slater’s Welsh Language Lead. His mum has also received treatment at Velindre, and he is the mastermind behind the route. He said:
“We wanted a challenge that would really push us, be accessible to all and ultimately raise lots of money.
“This challenge symbolises the 30 years of Velindre’s support in fighting cancer. With Aneurin Bevan’s birthplace in Tredegar almost exactly 30 miles from Velindre by foot.”
“We’re blown away by the support we’ve received from our colleagues at Golleys who have come together to grab the challenge by the horns – and we’re ready to smash our target for our loved ones and everyone else’s loved ones affected by cancer.”
Velindre Cancer Centre, known as the ‘Hospital of Hope’ provides specialist cancer services to over 1.5million in south east Wales and beyond. Commenting on Golley Slater’s challenge for the Centre’s 30th anniversary, Kylie Mckee, Head of Fundraising, said:
“We are thrilled that Golley Slater has chosen to undertake this epic challenge in honor of our 30th anniversary. This unprecedented event not only raises vital funds but also highlights the incredible dedication of our supporters. Their effort and fundraising is so appreciated and truly makes a difference to cancer patients and their families in Wales.”
To get behind the 40 participants taking on the #DiolchVelindre challenge, you can donate to their JustGiving page here.
