Fundraiser Ed Says Thank You
By admin
Issued on behalf of Cancer Research Wales
A VILLAGE picnic of thanks organised by brain tumour patient Ed Evans was going ahead today (SAT Aug 18) – despite him lying seriously ill in a hospital bed.
Ed, 27, from Wick in the Vale of Glamorgan, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour five years ago after suffering severe headaches just weeks after qualifying for his dream job as a Royal Navy Diver.
But despite undergoing two brain operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he refused to give up and last year set up the Ed Evans Foundation to help raise money for research into cancer.
In the short time that the foundation has been established, Ed has raised more than £30,000 for the Cancer Research Wales charity through a series of events, including a Spring Ball at Sophia Gardens, where he presented a cheque for £20,000 to the Cardiff-based charity.
Ed spent weeks planning today’s Picnic in the Playground being staged at Wick and Marcross Church in Wales School in his village. The event is to say ‘thanks’ to all those who have supported his fundraising campaign for Cancer Research Wales over the last 12 months.
But just 24 hours before he was due to play host at the picnic, Ed’s health took a turn for the worse and he was taken to Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch.
Long-term friend and Ed Evans Foundation fundraiser Claire Thomas said: “Ed has worked so hard over the past few years to raise money for Cancer Research Wales and to highlight the great work that they do for people in Wales.
“He was really looking forward to the picnic as he saw it as an opportunity to thank everyone that has helped him. It is a real shame that he has been taken ill at this time but we know that because of all the hard work and support that has gone into the event and the message behind the day, he would want it to go ahead as if he was there.
“It will make him very happy knowing that people had a good time whilst raising money for Cancer Research Wales.”
The picnic, from 5-10pm, includes entertainment from Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir and Phil Dando’s Big Band. All the money from the ticket sales will go to support Cancer Research Wales via Ed’s Foundation. Tickets at £5 for adults and £1 for children can be bought on the day.
