Welsh rugby star Gethin Jenkins visits NSPCC Cardiff service centre

• Gethin Jenkins chose the NSPCC as the main charity of his testimonial year

• He returned to his old primary school to take part in an NSPCC assembly

Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby player Gethin Jenkins visited the NSPCC Wales offices to meet staff after his testimonial year in aid of the children’s charity.

Gethin, Wales’ most capped player of all time with 129 appearances, raised money for the NSPCC through a number of events during the 2016/17 season.

As part of his testimonial year he returned to his old primary school, Llwyncrwn Primary School in Beddau, to deliver an NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe schools service assembly, where he helped teach children about what abuse is and how to report it.

During Gethin’s recent visit to the NSPCC Cardiff service centre he was shown some of the therapy rooms where children are given counselling to overcome abuse they have suffered.

The service centre runs programmes including Protect and Respect, which teaches children and young people about the dangers of online grooming and sexual exploitation, and Turn The Page, which works with children and young people exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour.

Gethin, who also has five caps for the British and Irish Lions, said: “I really enjoyed raising money for the NSPCC during my testimonial year as it is such a worthwhile cause that is very close to my heart.

“It was great to see some of the rooms where they provide their vital counselling sessions and help children and young people rebuild their lives.

“I hope my testimonial year can help the NSPCC continue its important work.” Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to invite Gethin to our Cardiff service centre and talk to him about the difference his testimonial year will make to our charity.

“Without support from the likes of him we wouldn’t be able to fight for every childhood and provide counselling to victims of child sexual abuse.”