Merched y Wawr’s incredible fundraising for Cancer Research Wales

Members of Merched y Wawr across Wales have raised the incredible sum of £39,847.29 for Cancer Research Wales in just six months.

Cancer Research Wales is the charity chosen by Merched y Wawr's President, Bethan Picton-Davies, for her President's Project for 2025 to 2027.

Bethan announced her choice at Merched y Wawr's annual residential weekend at the Vale Hotel in Hensol, in September 2025.

Bethan is the aunt of broadcaster Mari Grug, who is also an ambassador for Cancer Research Wales and lives with metastatic cancer.

It was at that landmark meeting that Bethan explained to the members that the experiences of Mari and her sister Lisa, who has received cancer treatment, had influenced her choice of charity.

Since then, members of 276 branches of Merched y Wawr and Clwbiau Gwawr across Wales have been actively raising money for Cancer Research Wales.

Supporting essential work

President of Merched y Wawr, Bethan Picton-Davies, said: "My vision is not only to raise money, but also hope — by supporting the essential work of Cancer Research Wales to create a future where more lives are saved and fewer families have to face the devastating impact of cancer."

The money raised by Merched y Wawr through the President's Project will go towards breast cancer research and women's health at Cancer Research Wales.

And this has influenced the 'Pink Positivity' theme chosen for the fundraising activities that Merched y Wawr is organising for Cancer Research Wales.

On Saturday, May 16, members came together for the 2026 Summer Festival in Machynlleth, where two pink dresses made from flowers that had been woven and embroidered by members were unveiled.

The dresses were created by Rhian Jones and her daughter Mair from Aberystwyth, using over 2,000 flowers.

Dinefwr Blankets had also created an outfit for the event in Penmachno brethyn fabric.

They were publicly displayed for the first time at Bro Hyddgen School, and Bethan Picton-Davies and Mari Grug will have the opportunity to model them at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth and then at the '1 mewn 2' concert at the National Eisteddfod.

In late May, 40 members of the Llanuwchllyn branch will be going on a sponsored walk wearing pink wigs.

Kindness and creativity

National Director of Merched y Wawr, Tegwen Morris, said: "The kindness and creativity of members of Merched y Wawr is always a source of pride, and this time we are especially grateful to everyone who has participated in the knitting and crochet project, from creating over 40 metres of pink bunting to making creative creations that will be displayed at the Royal Welsh Show. Thanks also to everyone who has sold scarves and jewellery and organised all kinds of fun and interesting events and activities to raise money so far."

The Welsh cancer research charity

Cancer Research Wales is the independent Welsh cancer research charity. It was established in Cardiff in 1966 and in 2026, the charity celebrates its 60th birthday.

Since 1966, it has invested £41.86 million in world-class cancer research here in Wales.

Adam Fletcher, chief executive officer of Cancer Research Wales, said: "I am very grateful to Bethan and Merched y Wawr for their support through the President's Project, 'Pink Positivity', and without doubt, this partnership is a landmark moment in our history as the Welsh cancer research charity.

"With us celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2026 and Merched y Wawr celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2027, we are creating a strong partnership that will work for the benefit of people living with cancer, their families and loved ones across Wales.

"Cancer Research Wales is aiming to unite the people of Wales against cancer by funding world-class cancer research, and with the support of Merched y Wawr, we are certainly a step closer to achieving that."