Friends Rally to Help South Wales Family

Couple renew wedding vows after devastating cancer diagnosis

The Rowlands family
Author: Claire PearsonPublished 4th Sep 2021
Last updated 4th Sep 2021

A fundraising event is taking place this weekend to help the family of a South Wales man who has terminal cancer.

Terry Rowlands, from Neath, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his bile duct.

The funday and football tournament is being held at Pure Football in Swansea from 2pm on Sunday, September 5.

Family friend Emma Crowley is one of the organisers.

She said: "Lisa and Terry have been together for over 30 years and have two wonderful children together.

"Terry has been diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer in his bile duct. This is rare and unfortunately it will end his life. The couple renewed their wedding vows on the weekend, and it was truly beautiful.

"Before it gets to the stage where he is too sick to travel and do things with his family, we have decided to raise as much money as possible for them, so they can have a dream Disney holiday, make memories and use the funds however they see fit, whether it's for his health, counselling or to put back into charity if not used.

Emma told us about organising the fundraising event.

"They (Pure Football) have been amazing, and have agreed to host it all at no charge, donated their services, their pitches and reached out to all their contacts for prizes! They have been truly amazing and without their support none of this would be possible."

Family Funday entertainment

• Sunday 5th Sept 5 A-Side football tournament at Pure Football. Contact them if you wish to play. A £20 donation is required.

• stalls (£20 pitch fee required payable on the day) contact Emma on 07478332437

• face painting & hair braiding

• music

• meet Beauty & the Beast plus many more

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/rowland-family-funday-football/385691459654275

Emma added: "Lisa works with me at BT in Swansea and she's been there over 20 years. She's a trainer there and has basically helped teach everyone in that building at one point or another.

"Her entire family is also very involved in local theatre and they help run Neath Little Theatre.

"They give up a lot of their time to help their community so we just want to give something back to a family that have honestly helped so many people.

"Personally, this has touched me, as not only is Lisa a very dear friend but this is the same Cancer that killed my Father just 6yrs ago, aged 52.

"He too was married to my mum for 30 years and she had passed away from cancer just two years before him.

"Seeing the love between Lisa and her husband is like looking back at my parents before I lost them both.

"It is beautifully tragic, as I know and understand what the future holds for them as a couple and their children. I just want to be able to help them, in a way that my family did not get the chance to have."