8. June 2026
25 hours for Velindre: A Journey of Friendship, Resilience, and Hope
On June 6th, at 2 p.m, Terry and I embarked on a 25-hour live stream in support of the Velindre Cancer Centre. This wasn’t just another charity event; it was deeply personal. Terry’s immediate family is fighting cancer, and the farmer and landowner, Gary, also faces similar challenges in his family. These connections gave our mission a fire we couldn’t ignore.
We kept the plan simple: just the two of us, a vehicle loaded with essentials—food, water, and gear—and a passion to make a difference. After holding it last year in winter, we moved it to the summer to align with Cancer Survivors Day. From 2 p.m. on June 6th to 3 p.m. on June 7th, we persevered, and we realized that this timing—right on Survivors Day—gave even more meaning to every single moment.
From the very start, we were overwhelmed by the audience. The participation was phenomenal—constant interaction, shared stories, and a wave of support that carried us through. Honestly, it was the audience that kept us going—no sleep, just pure will. There were moments when Terry and I were battling fatigue and little injuries, but each donation, each comment, gave us that extra push.
A huge shoutout to Mark (Duck and Cover) and Philip (Logie)—your massive donations were a beacon of hope. You kept us strong, and we can’t thank you enough. The weather was a challenge—heavy rain in the first few hours, but we were ready. It stayed showery, on and off—not too hot, thankfully—so we kept going.
In terms of equipment, we used our trusty Minelab Manticore detectors and Garrett Pro Pointers AT. I had a lightweight CKG shovel, while Terry used a heavier emitter shovel. Gary, the farmer, kept us fueled with hot coffees and bacon rolls—a lifesaver in those early hours. And together, we bonded. We didn’t just detect; we supported each other. Every small break—every three hours or so—gave us a chance to hydrate, snack, and reset. And wow, the finds! Coins, unique artefacts—like my spindle whorl and first story button—and Terry’s showstopper: a Charles II silver coin. Each discovery felt like a gift, a symbol of persistence.
So what’s next? We’re doing it all again next year—same time, same cause, and we’re adding an hour. Next year will be 26 hours, and every year after, we’ll add another. By the time we reach 60, we’ll have a 40-hour marathon, but that’s a dream for the future. For now, we look back with gratitude, knowing that every step, every hour, every person who supported us, made a difference. Thank you all.