Story
Alcatraz Swim Fundraiser Raffle for Velindre Cancer Centre Organised by: Lea Craven
I'm swimming 2 miles from Alcatraz to San Francisco Bay this May to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre, the hospital that helped save my life when I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at just nine years old. This raffle is part of my final fundraising push, with nearly £1,000 in prizes to be won, thanks to the kindness of those supporting me!
Why Velindre?
Velindre Cancer Centre was my lifeline through childhood cancer. Their radiotherapy team made me feel safe and hopeful, even at my weakest. Since then, I've faced multiple health challenges, but Velindre’s legacy of care has stayed with me. Now, I want to give back.
Your donation supports:
Cancer research and clinical trials
Innovative treatments and equipment
Emotional and wellbeing support for patients and staff
Better facilities and spaces for care
Thank you so much for helping me reach my goal and supporting a cause that saves lives.
My Story:
At just nine years old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Wilms' tumour, resulting in the removal of my right kidney, intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell rescue. The incredible care I received from Velindre and other medical teams made a lasting impact, they treated me with compassion and gave me hope during some of the most challenging moments of my life.
Despite surviving cancer, I’ve faced lifelong complications, including liver damage, portal hypertension, and two further cancer diagnoses, a borderline ovarian tumour in my twenties and breast cancer at 28. Each challenge has been met with the same remarkable care and dedication from my medical teams.
In 2019, I faced one of my greatest challenges: becoming a mum despite being told IVF wasn’t an option. Against all odds, I fell pregnant but endured life-threatening complications due to my medical history. A multidisciplinary team performed a liver shunt procedure during my third trimester and helped me deliver my son, Jackson, at just 29 weeks. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, he spent three months in neonatal care and is now a healthy, thriving five-year-old.
I share my story to raise awareness of the life-changing care provided by Velindre and the wider NHS. Their support has not only saved my life but also given Jackson the best possible start in his. With your donations, we can help ensure that others receive the same extraordinary care and hope I have been so fortunate to experience. Every contribution makes a difference, thank you for helping us support this vital work.
Velindre, the Hospital of Hope has been providing specialist treatment and supportive care to cancer patients and families for over 65 years.
Money raised for Velindre Charity helps fund ground breaking research and clinical trials, cutting edge treatments, specialist nurses, support services, therapies, equipment and so much more which are above those provided by the NHS, so donations really do have a significant impact on patients and their families.
Your donation will allow Velindre to continue to provide Hope for the future.