Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies CBE will set off this Sunday for his sixth Jiffy's Cancer 50 Challenge, with fellow Wales icon Alun Wyn Jones joining him for the 56-mile cycling event.
The annual challenge raises vital funds for Velindre Cancer services across south and west Wales, with more than 330 cyclists taking part last year. That was the highest number of participants in the event’s history, raising £55,000 in the process.
Jiffy's long association with Velindre
Davies, better known as ‘Jiffy’, first became involved with Velindre Cancer Charity as a patron in 2007 after tragically losing both his father Len and first wife Karen to cancer.
Since then, the 63-year-old has dedicated himself to helping others affected by the disease and has taken part in numerous fundraising events, approaching two decades of involvement with the charity. He became president of Velindre Cancer in 2009 and during his time working with the charity has helped raise more than £50million.
His contribution and services to people affected by cancer, alongside his broadcasting work, saw him awarded a CBE earlier this year.
Details of the 2026 ride
One of the many fundraising events the former Wales fly-half has organised and participated in is the Cancer 50 Challenge, which is set for its sixth edition on Sunday, August 16. The 56-mile ride starts at Cardiff City Stadium and later finishes in Bracelet Bay, Swansea.
Across the event’s five-year history, more than £300,000 has been raised for vital cancer services. More than 300 cyclists are expected to take part once again this year, with former Lions skipper Jones among those joining Davies on the challenge.
Jones, a former Wales captain and the most-capped Welsh international of all time with 158 caps, is returning after taking part in the 2025 edition alongside fellow Welsh team-mates Dwayne Peel and James Hook.
How to join and donate
Speaking to the Velindre Cancer Centre fundraising website, Jiffy’s message was clear. “I need your help to raise as much as possible and help improve cancer services,” he said. “Join me for this great ride connecting these two incredible cancer hospitals in our collective effort of tackling cancer in south and west Wales.”
Jones also encouraged participation, saying: “I’m cycling the Jiffy 50 ride this year and looking to see if you can join me. All money raised will go to Velindre and Swansea Bay Cancer Centres to help enhance all the facilities and treatments they provide for patients. It starts in Cardiff City Stadium and finishes all the way in Swansea at Bracelet Bay. So hopefully see you there. Get on your bike!”
You can join Davies, Jones and more than 300 cyclists on the Cancer 50 Challenge this Sunday by registering on the Velindre Cancer Centre Fundraising website. At this link, you can also donate to the Velindre Cancer Centre and support the vital work being carried out across south and west Wales.
