Prostate Cymru held its fourth annual ambassadors lunch on Thursday 5th April at Cornerstone, a community venue on Charles Street in Cardiff city centre. Around 120 people, including fundraisers and local Welsh businesses, joined the charity for the enjoyable afternoon, a month later than originally organised due to “the beast from the east”.
Guests saw Prostate Cymru’s “Boy’s Bus” on their way into the venue where they were welcomed with a drinks reception courtesy of Molson Coors. Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru Brian Harries BEM acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Prostate Cymru Chairman Andy Thomas gave a short presentation about prostate diseases and shared what the charity had achieved during 2017. A special mention was given to the recipients of this year’s Ray Murray and Ray Williams Travelling Fellowships Ethan Bateson, Aled Rees, Andrew Thomson, Steffan Jones, Amy Owen and Sarah Rangan who are currently on their electives across the world studying urology.
Event attendees helped raise money during the lunch by participating in the raffle, auction and a rugby ball sweep in which one lucky guest per table won a British Lions Rhino rugby ball signed by members of the Welsh rugby team who played against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations tournament. The Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru also presented a cheque for over £60,000 to the charity.
Following a delicious three course meal by Spiros Caterers, the charity’s annual fundraising awards were presented in a section hosted by one of Prostate Cymru’s newest ambassadors weather presenter and broadcaster Chris Jones. Owen Pugsley, Willmott Dixon and Danny Griffiths won Young Fundraiser of the Year, Fundraising Team of the Year and Fundraiser of the Year respectively. Additionally a special recognition award was presented to Maesteg Golf Club who have supported the charity for a number of years.
The afternoon concluded with a question and answer session hosted by rugby broadcaster Sean Holley and featured ambassadors Eddie Butler and Bob Norster. The trio discussed the recent Six Nations tournament, the TMO and shared some memories of their rugby tours and games.