An incredible £7,100 was raised last Friday evening at a fundraising concert in Cwmbran.
‘Gig for Gethin’ was held in the hall at Croescyceiliog School and attracted a special guest from the rugby world, Sir Gareth Edwards.
The sporting legend showed his support for the event named after Croesyceiliog RFC player Gethin Evans, 19, who is being treated for cancer.
Rhys Evans, Gethin’s dad, told Cwmbran Life: “Wow, what a night, great company, great music, a great cause. Thanks to everybody’s brilliant contributions, we have raised a magnificent total of £7,100 for our chosen charities, Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity and Teenage Cancer Trust.
“The money raised was superb but the main reason for this event was to show and give love, support and strength to Gethin via his friends, family and rugby club Croesyceiliog RFC.
“Huge thanks to everyone involved, but special mention must be given to our MC on the night, Martin Jones, who held the whole evening together, along with their musical director Luciano Mogni, guest singer Paola Scarpetta, and Pontnewydd Male Voice Choir.
“It was also an honour to meet Sir Gareth, Maureen, Rhys and Eirlys Edwards, especially due to the fact that both Gethin and I are huge Cardiff Rugby fans.
“Unfortunately, Gethin caught an infection prior to the event and was not well enough to attend
“He is now feeling much better and looking more like his own self.
“I would also like to thank Gethin’s old rugby coach Rhys Bain, who as well as providing the majority of the auction lots, managed to ask for video messages of support from famous faces in the world of rugby.
“Gethin has not only received messages from the great and good of Welsh rugby past and present, but also from famous faces from the international game such as Eddie Jones, Johnny Sexton, Rory Best, Franco Mostert and Justin Marshall.
“Gethin has asked me to send his huge thanks to everybody for their support, but would particularly wish to thank all of the brilliant people involved in the medical teams that are currently looking after him. These are The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, Velindre Hospital, and The Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at The University Hospital Wales in Cardiff.