Join us and wear red for Velindre and Wales team
ON FEBRUARY 2, we need your help to turn Wales red.
It will be the night before Wales’ first clash in the Six Nations.
To show support to the team – and teaming up with cancer charity Velindre – we want as many people as possible to wear red for the day.
It’s all part of an event called Wear Red for Velindre and Wales.
Schools, businesses and workplaces are all asked to wear red and donate a minimum of £1 to the charity.
WalesOnline has given its backing to the campaign and we hope plenty of you will register and take part.
Money raised from the campaign, will ensure the best possible support is offered to cancer patients.
It will help fund specialist nurses and the extra projects the hospital runs to help patients and their families through their cancer journey.
Velindre is at the cutting edge of treatment, but also has specialist rooms for families and children and gardens.
To help patients, there are a whole range of treatments away from the medical care including complementary treatments like massage or aromatherapy.
They are designed to help relieve pain but also provide a break for people going through enduring cancer treatment.
The charity is encouraging people to raise as much money as possible by not only wearing red, but holding extra events.
They suggest cake sale, a red-themed quiz or a red raffle or tombola. There will be special t-shirts and wristbands on sale.
Last year’s event raised more than £20,000 for the charity.
Dragons Running Club in Aberdare is taking part.
Treasurer Nicola Jones said they want to get new and existing members involved in fundraising for Wear Red for Velindre with a special run.
“The Dragons Running Club (Aberdare) organise a few fun runs each year raising money for charity and we are very proud of our members who always rise to the occasion and take part.
“As our club has just started a couch to 5k programme to help get the local community more involved with exercise and running in particular, we thought we would take part in the event which as well as raising money for a fantastic organisation, will bring our new members together with our existing members. We hope to see a long line of runners wearing ‘Red’ supporting Wales and each other; as well as making a donation to Velindre.
“Our planned run for this event is on February 6 as our club runners meet on a Tuesday evening, though anyone who would like to participate and bring along their loose change to donate to Velindre will be welcome.”
“Our planned run will start from Abercwmboi Rugby Club at 6pm”.
Nail consultant Leanne Culverhouse from Ton Pentre is taking part in memory of her Gransha Alun Rees, who was treated at Velindre.
“As many of you know I lost my Gransha to cancer and I know many others who have lost loved ones too. Velindre is a vital resource in Wales for anyone fighting and a great support network to families too.”
In the build-up to the big day, she will be donating her commission from the purchase of a ‘red’ wrap, Gel or the new flirt alert lip lacquer to Velindre.
Ton Pentre Junior School is also joining in.
Headteacher Ian Evans said: “We are taking part as we like to support different charities throughout the course of the year. All the children will come to school dressed in red and will bring in a donation for the privilege of coming in dressed in red.”
All 193 pupils will be invited to take part.
David W Harris solicitors is taking part for the second time.
All four of their offices, including in Talbot Green and Pontypridd, are signed up.
They decided to support Velindre after a number of staff were all affected by cancer and had treatment in Velindre, either personally or a member of their family.
Wales Online editor-inchief Paul Rowland said: “At Wales Online, we’re huge admirers of the work that Velindre does, and we’re also massive supporters of Welsh rugby, so backing the campaign to get everyone in Wales to wear red on February 2 was a very easy decision to make.
“We want every school and workplace in Wales to mark the start of the Six Nations by going red for the day to help us raise £100,000 for a fantastic cause.”
Anyone wanting to take part can contact Velindre on info@velindrefundraising or call 029 2031 6211.
President Velindre Fundraising Jonathan Davies said: “I was delighted to help launch the first Wear Red For Wales And Velindre Campaign, by visiting my old school in Trimsaran who also took part.
“This time we want more schools, companies and individuals to get involved and help us paint Wales Red on February 2.” of