Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies, the 63-year-old dual-code rugby legend, continues his fundraising for Velindre Cancer Care, having helped raise more than £60m for the charity. This Sunday, he will lead the Cancer 50 Challenge, a 50-mile cycle from Cardiff City Stadium to Swansea's Bracelet Bay.
Milestone fundraising total
Davies has been president of Velindre since 2009, after joining as a patron in 2007 following the loss of his father Len and first wife Karen to cancer. The fundraising total passed £50m two years ago, and Davies estimates it is now beyond £60m.
"I don't know the exact number now, I do keep getting updated on it," he told WalesOnline. "I think we're past £60m which is amazing when you think about it. You see charities doing things on a national level, like Kevin Sinfield with motor neurone disease. We're just doing this for Wales."
He emphasised that Velindre serves all of Wales, not just the south, and expressed pride in the fundraising effort, crediting a team of fundraisers and staff.
Annual ride and future plans
This is the sixth year of the ride, which raises money for South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital and Velindre. Davies said the event has raised over £300,000 so far, and he has committed to the next few years. He also mentioned a new 'Victory over Cancer' walk in Cardiff earlier this year, which raised over £80,000 with 900 participants.
"All charities are in survival mode, really," Davies added. "You've just got to find ways to support and fundraise where you can. Whatever the cause is, you hang you hat on that peg and try do as much as you can to support it."
Alun Wyn Jones, Test rugby's most-capped player, will also take part in Sunday's ride. Davies hinted that Jones or Shane Williams could eventually take over the lead role, but noted that his own knee and back have been pain-free since operations two years ago.
Personal motivation
Davies' dedication stems from personal loss: his father died of liver cancer when Davies was 14, and his first wife passed away in 1997. He noted that cancer continues to affect his circle, mentioning the recent death of Alan Bateman's daughter at age 34.
Earlier this year, Davies completed a gruelling 300km ride from Seville to Marbella in Spain, where his average speed on day two was just two miles per hour due to hills and headwind. Sunday's ride is expected to be easier, with cooler conditions and a tailwind.
Cyclists can register for the Cancer 50 Challenge on the Velindre Cancer Centre Fundraising website, where donations are also accepted.
