Alcatraz Swim May 2025

On 17-21st May 2025, Velindre Cancer Centre Cardiff are sending a team of crazy cats to ALCATRAZ. SAN FRANCISCO... In the U. S. of A and Karen and Rhiannon are on the team!

From Alcatraz Island home of the infamous prison, we will be unceremoniously plopped out of a boat to swim 2.4 miles in one of the most tidal bays around, hoping to land safely on the shores of Crissy Field beach. We are a team of 25 headed up by our team Captain Shane Williams, Welsh rugby legend and Patron of Velindre and Dave Tonge Velindre Ambassador, Director and Coach at Heathwood Swimming Ltd.

Having experienced the sheer life force that is the fundraising team. Having listened to oncologists talk about the ground-breaking research. Having listened to patients and families talk about the sheer blanket of love and care that is wrapped around them at Velindre, we cannot walk away.

We have to acknowledge the fact that cancer services have suffered dire underfunding in recent years, especially since Covid and let’s face it, any of us could be facing a diagnosis. Anyone of us could have loved ones going through this brutal journey. We can’t sit back and hope that it will be ok. Because we know from our own life experiences that bad things happen, and bad things happen to good people.

Help us to accomplish this amazing and awesome adventure and make a real difference in the fight against cancer. Help us literally turn the tide in research and treatment.

All donations gratefully received.

Diolch,

Karen and Rhiannon