A Pembrokeshire community rallies together to support a local mum battling breast cancer through a spirited Boxing Day charity match
At just 32, Jenn was diagnosed in May 2024. Since then, she’s bravely undergone a mastectomy and chemotherapy, with more treatment on the horizon. Her husband, Patrick, is a familiar face in Neyland, having played football and cricket for years.
Friends from the local rugby and football teams came up with the idea for the charity match between Neyland RFC and Neyland AFC. It was a perfect way to raise funds for Jenn’s upcoming radiotherapy expenses.
Patrick shared how grateful they were for the community’s support. The Boxing Day committee jumped right in, promoting the event and gathering amazing auction and raffle prizes.
On the day, over 200 people showed up, creating a lively atmosphere as they cheered for their teams. After the match, everyone gathered for the raffle and auction, which featured some fantastic prizes, including a signed Cardiff City shirt and a golf day at Celtic Manor.
The community really came together, donating prizes and bidding generously. The event raised an incredible £6,600, with an additional £5,000 collected through Jenn’s GoFundMe page for those who couldn’t attend.
Patrick expressed how special Neyland is, saying the community truly looks after its own. He felt overwhelmed by the support, which made their tough situation a bit easier to bear.
In a small town like Neyland, the spirit of togetherness shines bright, proving that even in hard times, the community stands strong.
