Inspirational Parents raise £1 Million in memory of their daughter.
This week, dedicated fundraisers Wayne and Jayne Griffiths achieved a remarkable milestone, raising £1 million in memory of their beloved daughter, Rhian Griffiths.
Rhian was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010, and after two years of courageous treatment, she sadly passed away on June 22nd, 2012, at just 25 years of age.
In her honour, and with a deep commitment to creating a poignant and lasting legacy for Rhian, Wayne and Jayne established ‘The Rhian Griffiths Forget Me Not Fund’, determined to make a lasting impact on cancer patients and their families across Wales.
With unwavering support from their family, local communities, and a deep commitment to creating a legacy for Rhian, the fund has now surpassed £1 million. These vital contributions are funding groundbreaking projects and services at Velindre Cancer Centre, where Rhian received her care.
Emma Hudson, Rhian’s Oncologist at Velindre, says:
“Rhian would be so proud of you both Wayne and Jayne, and your family who work so tirelessly with your fundraising. Knowing how kind and caring Rhian was I am sure that she would be particularly delighted by the difference that this has made and how many people have benefited and will continue to do so from this incredible amount of money in her memory.
We are all so grateful to you both for everything you have done and continue to do, which enables us to make so many improvements to cancer care in South Wales. Rhian’s memory will live forever.
Diolch yn fawr Iawn a cariad mawr”
Wayne and Jayne Griffiths, proud Ambassadors of Velindre Charity, have tirelessly dedicated their time to sharing Rhian’s story and raising awareness for Velindre across communities in Wales. A significant portion of the funds they’ve raised comes from the sale of Forget Me Not badges, available at various outlets throughout South Wales. These badges are worn with pride across the community and represent not only Rhian but raise awareness for Velindre and the care they provide.
The Forget Me Not has become an iconic symbol of the fund. Near the end of Rhian’s life at Velindre, she made her parents promise that they would never forget her and would always support Velindre. This promise inspired the Forget Me Not theme. At her funeral, packets of forget-me-not seeds were given to attendees, encouraging them to plant the seeds in her memory.
The Griffith’s story has resonated deeply with many people across Wales, with fundraisers keen to support they have also received donations from people completing events specifically for this fund, such as band nights, marathons and so much more.
Wayne Griffiths said:
“As a family we owe a debt of gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers for both the expert treatment and dedicated support that was given to us throughout the 2 year period of our late daughter Rhian’s illness, from the time of inception in March 2010 to June 2012 when devastatingly she gave up her brave battle.
Despite our devastating loss, we know that all those at Velindre did their very utmost to preserve Rhian’s life as far as it could be done.
It is because of the completely empathetic, dedicated and impassioned support that we received from all those at Velindre Cancer Centre which has inspired us to fundraise on a continuing basis in Rhian’s memory so that others may benefit both in relation to which they are treated and cared for as well as providing real improvements to their day to day care and needs.
Fundraising is fundamental to my work in supporting the operation of Velindre; it is a labour of love of which I never personally tire and which I embrace enthusiastically.
These funds of course are all utilised to supplement the work of Velindre by supporting patients and their families in ways that otherwise couldn’t be achieved.”
Money raised through the Forget Me Not Fund is already making a difference to cancer patients and their families at Velindre. The money has been used to fund the full refurbishment of the relative’s room, used by the Griffiths family during Rhian’s treatment, to allow a family to spend the night at Velindre, as well as a physiotherapist role previously.
The passion, dedication and commitment of Wayne and Jayne to honour their daughter’s memory and raise funds to support other patients and families dealing with cancer is nothing short of remarkable. They are truly special people.
To donate directly to The Rhian Griffths Forget me Not Fund, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wayne-griffiths9?utm_medium=proxy_fundraising&utm_content=wayne-griffiths9&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
To follow along their journey and join their facebook community, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/739168843660313/
