Policeman with terminal tumour raises £16,000

POLICEMAN Mike Evans is part-way through gruelling chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

But this weekend he will attempt to complete a long course triathalon in Tenby. He aims to do a 2.5-mile swim on Friday, a 112-mile bike ride on Saturday and 26-mile marathon run on Sunday.

The fundraising total for his appeal for Velindre Cancer Centre currently stands at more than £16,000.

Dad-of-two Mike, a South Wales Police officer, was diagnosed after he began feeling ill after his daughter Lily’s graduation.

He went to work the following day but blacked out and hit his head. While in hospital, he had a seizure.

In February, the tumour was diagnosed and he was rushed into hospital for surgery.

Since then, Mike, 49, has been having treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre. He is in the middle of his second bout of chemotherapy and has said the upping of the treatment has been tough.

“It’s had me on the ropes for a while, but I will fight on,” he said.

Friends are continuing to raise money for Mike. They have devised challenges and sold green “bands of fury” for people to wear to promote the cause.

Former runner Iwan Thomas is the latest to have given his support.

Llanishen High School’s deputy headteacher Lyndon Brennan, a close friend of Mike’s, arranged a sponsored sing off against some of his pupils in school. That, along with a non-uniform day raised £500.

Bridgend’s Cwm Ogwr running club organised a 10k run last weekend making more than £1,000.

Kelly Owen from the club said they had been inspired by Mike’s story. They complete three runs a year, and decided to back Mike’s fund with their latest.

Half of each runner’s entry fee was donated to the Team Evsy fund and when his story was explained, a number of runners made individual donations.

Kelly said: “He’s just amazing. The fact he’s not lying down and sitting in the corner, he’s out there and trying to do what he can. Most people who meet him wouldn’t know there was anything wrong with him.

“He is trying his best to do as much as possible in the time he has got. He’s described it as being like a timebomb, and he just wants to help change other peoples lives.”

A bike ride was also organised by the Mountain Hare pub in Brynna with all proceeds going to the fund.

Mike said every event gives him a boost while he goes through his treatment.

“My intention is to keep brain cancer tumour research at the forefront of people’s minds even during these times of political roundabouts.” ■ To sponsor Mike, see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamevsy