The women’s over 30s team organised a 24-hour Spinathon to raise money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity as part of the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament – which is raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital. This is also part of the wider ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal.
The event at Baglan RFC involved 23 Bombshells who rode continually on two static bikes on rotation – kindly loaned by Warehouse Gym – from 6pm on Friday 27 June until 6pm on Saturday June 28.
Two inspiring Bombshells, Joanne and Leanne, having already cycled in their nominated four hour time slot in the early hours of the morning, saddled up to ride the last half hour in an emotional finish.
Both Joanne and Leanne have used the essential services that the Swansea Bay Health Board oncology department provides and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they completed the last few minutes of the 24-hour ride.
As well as the Bombshells working hard to ensure the wheels were continually turning throughout, there was also an opportunity for others to join them on a third bike. The Bombshells wish to thank those from the Baglan Bombers, Baglan seniors, friends and family – who joined them on the bikes across the 24-hours.
The team say they were also delighted to welcome members of the Pontardawe Daffs women’s touch rugby team who also hopped on the third bike in the final hours of the ride, throwing their support behind the Bombshells.
Whilst the team were overjoyed to be joined by their teammate Ceri Forward, who despite having already completed a three peaks hike in Cardiff that day to raise money for mountain rescue, jumped on the third bike for the final half an hour.
The Spinathon also coincided with Baglan RFC’s Family Fun Day on the Saturday which saw scores of people flocking to the club for stalls, food, entertainment and games for all ages.
Michelle Hall, who rode on the 10pm to 2am shift, said: “We are over the moon to raise this amount of money for the Swansea Bay Health Charity, and we even have more to come, with donations still coming in!
“It was such an incredible 24-hours, every Bombshells gave it their all, and the support through the day was unbelievable. Spirits were kept high throughout the whole challenge – even through the graveyard shifts.
“The build up to the last half an hour gave us all goosebumps and it was a very emotional countdown to mark the end of the Spinathon with Leanne and Joanne on the bikes. We are so proud of them both as they have faced their cancer journeys with inspiring bravery.”
The Bombshells would like to thank everyone who has supported the cause through their attendance on the day and through their generous sponsorship.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has donated – every penny really does count – and if anyone would like to still support this cause it’s not too late,” said Michelle.
“We’d also like to thank Baglan RFC for hosting our Spinathon, Warehouse Gym and everyone who supported us on the bikes through the 24-hours – it was such a team effort.
“It was also fantastic to have our charity event coincide with Baglan RFC’s family fun day – it was such a lovely day which saw the community join together.”
The Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament will take place on Saturday 9th August at the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon RFC, and will see 16 local teams take part. Spectator tickets will be available on the day and are £5 for adults with children going free.
Michelle added: “We can’t wait to play in the upcoming tournament and it’s been fantastic to see all the teams involved raise so much money for the cancer centre – and we know there is much more to come.
“Women’s touch rugby has certainly exploded in the Swansea Bay region over the last few years so to see everyone joining together, uniting for this special cause has been truly wonderful and we’re now counting down the days until 9th August!”
To donate to the Baglan Bombshells donation page, please visit: http://swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/pf/michelle-hall
To find out more about the Touched by Cancer – Ladies Touch Rugby Tournament please visit their Facebook page.
The ‘Going the Extra Mile for Cancer’ appeal aims to raise £200,000 to develop a dedicated outpatient department specifically for cancer patients at Singleton Hospital. The goal of the appeal is to transform the current space into a comforting environment that supports the wellbeing of patients and their families during a challenging time.
