Members of Merched y Wawr across Wales have raised an impressive £39,847.29 for Cancer Research Wales in just six months.
Cancer Research Wales was chosen as the President’s Project charity for 2025 to 2027 by Merched y Wawr President Bethan Picton-Davies, who announced her decision during the organisation’s annual residential weekend at the Vale Hotel in Hensol in September 2025.
Bethan is the aunt of broadcaster Mari Grug, who is an ambassador for Cancer Research Wales and is living with metastatic cancer. Bethan explained to members at the time that the experiences of Mari and her sister Lisa, who has also received cancer treatment, influenced her decision to support the charity.
Since the launch of the President’s Project, members from 276 branches of Merched y Wawr and Clwbiau Gwawr across Wales have been raising funds to support the charity’s work.
President of Merched y Wawr, Bethan Picton-Davies, said:
“My vision is not only to raise money, but also hope — by supporting the essential work of Cancer Research Wales to create a future where more lives are saved and fewer families have to face the devastating impact of cancer.”
Funds raised through the President’s Project will go towards breast cancer research and women’s health initiatives at Cancer Research Wales.
The fundraising campaign has adopted the theme ‘Pink Positivity’, which has inspired a range of creative activities and events organised by members across Wales.
As part of the campaign, members gathered at the 2026 Summer Festival in Machynlleth on Saturday, May 16, where two pink dresses made entirely from flowers woven and embroidered by members were unveiled.
The dresses were created by Rhian Jones and her daughter Mair from Aberystwyth using more than 2,000 flowers. Dinefwr Blankets also created a special outfit for the event using Penmachno brethyn fabric.
The creations were publicly displayed for the first time at Bro Hyddgen School. Bethan Picton-Davies and Mari Grug are also expected to model the outfits at the Royal Welsh Show and later at the ‘1 mewn 2’ concert during the National Eisteddfod.
Later this month, 40 members of the Llanuwchllyn branch will also take part in a sponsored walk wearing pink wigs to continue fundraising efforts.
National Director of Merched y Wawr, Tegwen Morris, said:
“The kindness and creativity of members of Merched y Wawr is always a source of pride, and this time we are especially grateful to everyone who has participated in the knitting and crochet project – from creating over 40 metres of pink bunting to making creative creations that will be displayed at the Royal Welsh Show. Thanks also to everyone who has sold scarves and jewellery and organised all kinds of fun and interesting events and activities to raise money so far.”
Cancer Research Wales, which was established in Cardiff in 1966, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.
Since its creation, the charity has invested more than £41.86 million into cancer research in Wales.
Adam Fletcher, chief executive officer of Cancer Research Wales, said:
“I am very grateful to Bethan and Merched y Wawr for their support through the President’s Project – ‘Pink Positivity’, and without doubt, this partnership is a landmark moment in our history as the Welsh cancer research charity.
“With us celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2026 and Merched y Wawr celebrating their 60th annivesary in 2027, we are creating a strong partnership that will work for the benefit of people living with cancer, their families and loved ones across Wales.
“Cancer Research Wales is aiming to unite the people of Wales against cancer by funding world-class cancer research, and —with the support of Merched y Wawr, we are certainly a step closer to achieving that.”
