WEAR RED FOR WALES CAMPAIGN – 1 MONTH TO GO!

One month from today, on Saturday 12th June, Wales will kick off their re-scheduled Euro 2020 campaign against Switzerland and are hoping for a repeat of the success of 2016.

To show support for the team, and to raise vital funds and awareness, Velindre Cancer Centre and The Welsh Blood Service has joined forces to encourage schools, companies and individuals to Wear Red for Wales – donate a pound donate a pint from 12-20th June, particularly on match days.

The aim of the campaign is to show support for the Wales football team in the re-scheduled Euro 2020 tournament, to encourage blood donations and to raise vital funds for Velindre, Wales’s Premier Cancer Centre.

This year’s campaign will be a week-long celebration from 12th – 20th June, coinciding with Wales’s three pool matches in the tournament, against Switzerland, Turkey and Italy, and World Blood Donor Day on the 14th.

Schools are being urged to get involved on Wednesday 16 June, when Wales take on Turkey in their only mid-week match.

Wales team Captain, and Velindre Patron Gareth Bale, is backing the campaign and hasbeen proudly wearing the official Wear Red For Wales campaign T-shirt, available to purchase at www.cmsteamwear/Velindre for £5.99 plus p&p.

Cadw, the historic environment agency for Wales, is supporting the campaign by lighting up many Welsh landmarks and castles in red throughout the tournament.

The Wear Red campaign first started during Euro 2016 which saw Wales reach the semi-finals. From 2017 to 2020 the campaign has supported the Wales Rugby Team in the Six Nations, and has raised over £100,000 since being launched.

This year, after the most challenging year to date for the charity, Velindre are hoping more people than ever get involved in the campaign.

Andrew Morris, Head of Velindre Fundraising, said: “We have been astounded by the response we have had to the Wear Red for Wales and Velindre campaign over the years.

After an incredibly challenging year with most fundraising activities being cancelled or postponed, we need the Welsh public’s support now more than ever, to ensure we keep providing the best possible care, treatment and support to our staff, patients and their families.”

Jonathan Davies OBE, President of Velindre Fundraising said: “This campaign is a fantastic way to get people of all ages involved, have some fun and support Wales.

However, more importantly it’s a great way to raise vital awareness and funds for two great causes that need our support now more than ever.

Please, please get involved, it really is so easy, but the difference is incredible.”

Taking part couldn’t be easier. Simply register at www.velindrefundraising.com, choose your date and activity, ask your pupils, staff, or your work colleagues and friends, to get involved, and donate a minimum of £1 to Velindre. Share your efforts on social media using the hashtag #WearRedForWales

After the event pay in your fundraising online at www.velindrefundraising.com/donate or by sending a cheque made payable to ‘Velindre Fundraising’ to: Velindre Fundraising, Velindre Cancer Centre, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 2TL.

Individual supporters can also donate a pound by texting: WR4W21 to 70201

Money raised from this campaign will be used to ensure the best possible support is offered to every patient and their families dealing with cancer.

It will allow Velindre to fund specialist nurses who are fundamental to a patient’s experience, implement projects to improve the physical environment for a patient, such as the Family & Children’s Room, and so much more.

The money also enables Velindre to offer better support through complex treatment pathways, earlier access to cutting edge treatments, research into new treatments, purchase specialist equipment and ensure staff have access to the most up to date training and techniques available.