A father and award-winning volunteer has raised £200,000 for Macmillan in memory of his daughter.
Wayne Griffiths, from Talbot Green, has raised the incredible amount for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his daughter Rhian, who died of cervical cancer in June 2012 aged only 25.
Wayne and his family have raised the funds to support people with cancer in Wales through walks and events in memory of Rhian, who was a nursery teacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Gymraeg Llantrisant.
Speaking on Macmillan Wales’s new podcast, Wayne, a retired senior partner at Devonald’s Solicitors, said: “She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010 and had a very difficult battle with it for two years.
“Like a lot of people who have seen a loved one have cancer or who have experienced cancer themselves know how much of a rollercoaster it is of emotion.
“You’re looking for that glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel to hopefully help you.
“Unfortunately, the cancer returned twice and when it returned it became terminal and she passed away at Velindre after a very difficult week there following on from a small stay at Y Bwthyn in Pontypridd.”
As well as his fantastic fundraising, Wayne is also the Chair of Macmillan’s Wales Volunteer Forum. He was awarded the charity’s Douglas Macmillan award in 2018.
Wayne and his family have also raised more than £439,000 for the Rhian Griffiths Velindre Rose Tribute Fund at Velindre Cancer Centre.
Wayne said: “I find we are making a little bit of difference to other people’s lives and people do appreciate it.
“Even though Rhian didn’t survive, we had absolutely wonderful support from Macmillan nurses and Macmillan generally and wonderful support from the Velindre team as well.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services (Wales) for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Wayne and his family for raising an incredible £200,000 for Macmillan in Rhian’s memory.
“We’re funded almost entirely by donations from generous supporters like Wayne who help us to be there for people with cancer in Wales.
“Anyone who needs advice, information or just a chat can call us free on 0808 808 0000.”
