In June 2027, we will be taking on the Statue of Liberty Swim Challenge, a brand new open water event from Velindre Cancer Charity, giving us the incredible opportunity to swim around the iconic Statue of Liberty.

We are Lois and Andrew Davies, a father and daughter brought together by our love of swimming and now united by something far greater.

Swimming has always been a huge part of our lives. Lois has competed from the age of three, going on to medal at the Welsh Nationals and compete at a high level before transitioning into triathlon. In 2025, she completed Ironman Wales, finishing 6th in her age group and 2nd in Wales AG. She was also 2nd female out of the water and 1st in her age group, a testament to her dedication to swim training. Lois is continuing her journey by signing up again in 2026 where she will keep pushing herself even further.

Andrew also has a strong competitive swimming background, reaching Masters Welsh National level. He has proudly supported Velindre through previous challenges, including completing the Alcatraz swim in 2025 and raising significant funds in the process. His love for open water and cold dipping began as a way of coping during treatment, becoming both therapy and escape.

In August 2022, Andrew was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour. Surgery followed in September, but due to complications only a biopsy could be taken. Since then, he has undergone 33 rounds of radiotherapy, months of chemotherapy, and most recently has been accepted onto a targeted therapy programme which is showing promising signs in reducing swelling.

The past three years have been incredibly demanding, physically and emotionally, not only for Andrew but for our whole family. Through it all, training has been Andrew’s happy place. Running, cycling and swimming have provided strength, focus and hope during the toughest days.

Velindre has played a life changing role in Andrew’s journey. The care, research opportunities and innovative treatments available there have given us hope and options we are endlessly grateful for. This challenge is not just another swim, it is our way of giving back to a charity and hospital that has become part of our lives.

Together, we are aiming to raise £7,600 to support the vital work Velindre does.

Every single donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Cancer affects so many of us, whether now or in the future. Your support could help fund groundbreaking research, clinical trials, specialist nurses and supportive care services that go above and beyond NHS provision.

Collectively, funds raised through the Statue of Liberty Swim Challenge can directly support one of the 40 plus clinical trials currently active at Velindre and even help fund up to four Clinical Nurse Specialists salaries for a year.

We are incredibly proud to be taking this on together, father and daughter, side by side, swimming not just for the challenge but for hope, for gratitude and for Victory Over Cancer.

Thank you so much for your support.