Mari Grug launches fundraising t-shirts for Cancer Research Wales

BAFTA winner and popular presenter and Cancer Research Wales ambassador – Mari Grug, has launched a special t-shirt to help raise funds for the charity.

Mari revealed in July 2023 that she had been undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer and in January 2025 she was announced as a Cancer Research Wales ambassador.

Since then, Mari has been busy helping the charity with activities including leading fundraising nights and concerts for Cancer Research Wales.

In addition, in April 2025, Mari took part in the 50km She Ultra race on the Llŷn Peninsula, raising £14,000 for the Welsh cancer research charity.

And now the mum of three who is originally from Mynachlog-Ddu in Pembrokeshire has turned her hand to designing t-shirts with her friend of 26 years - the artist Bethan Mai.

3,000 diagnoses a year

“We’ve decided to launch the t-shirts in October since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is the most common type of cancer affecting women in Wales today, with nearly 3,000 diagnoses every year,” explained Mari Grug.

“As an ambassador for Cancer Research Wales, and as a TV and radio presenter, I’m determined to use the platform to raise public awareness of the need for more research in the field to detect breast cancer earlier and to improve and develop effective treatments.

“To help raise funds to make this happen, Cancer Research Wales will be selling the t-shirts that I had the pleasure of designing together with Bethan Mai, and I’ve really enjoyed that creative process,” said Mari.

Inspired by Mari

Mari and Bethan have been friends for 26 years.

They met while acting in the S4C drama series Darn o Dir, and the t-shirts have been inspired by Mari’s life and her journey with cancer.

“The theme of the t-shirts is the Welsh word ‘Amdani’, and closest translation of that would be ‘Go for it’ – to live life to the full. That word sums up Mari’s attitude towards her cancer diagnosis and life in general. Having known her for 26 years, it is such an honour to design the t-shirts with Mari for such an amazing cause, and most importantly – such an amazing person”, explained Bethan.

Love and strength

The images on the t-shirts reflect different aspects of Mari’s life, as Bethan Mai explained:

“The two figures who are hand-in-hand are based on Mari and her daughter/a mother and daughter, but they are also a symbol of anyone on the journey with a loved one, they are dancing/jumping towards the sun, representing the love and strength from those around us.

“Flowers felt very important too- they are very Mari! She once had the honour of being the ‘Morwyn y fro’ at the National Eisteddfod in St David’s in 2002 where she was carrying lots of flowers during the prestigious ceremony. The flowers – similar to the tree on the design symbolise the ability to grow and survive despite the darkness and winter’s coldness. Some of the illustrations are directly recreating flower prints Mari wore as a child. Of course, the grug – which is Welsh for ‘heather’ had to be featured” reflected Bethan.

Tireless dedication and hard work

The money from the sale of the t-shirts will go to Cancer Research Wales – the independent Welsh cancer research charity that's celebrating its 60th birthday in 2026.

Since it was established, the charity has invested £41.86 million into pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge cancer research here in Wales.

“I can't thank Mari enough, again, for her tireless dedication, hard work and endless efforts to draw attention to Cancer Research Wales' work and the need to raise funds for more cancer research in Wales for the benefit of everyone here in Wales,” said Adam Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research Wales.

“We're privileged to have her as an ambassador, and the new t-shirts that Mari has designed together with Bethan Mai are absolutely brilliant. Lots of people over the years have raised money for us in amazing ways, but this is the very first time we've had a t-shirt designed by one of our Cancer Research Wales ambassadors,” he added.

“Mari is an individual who inspires all of us at Cancer Research Wales and it's a pleasure to work with her and have her as a friend to the charity. Thank you so much for your invaluable contribution to our work, Mari.”