Members across Wales unite behind ‘Pink Positivity’ campaign supporting breast cancer research
MEMBERS of Merched y Wawr have raised an impressive £39,847.29 for Cancer Research Wales in just six months.
The charity was chosen as the President’s Project for 2025-2027 by Merched y Wawr President Bethan Picton-Davies during the organisation’s annual residential weekend at the Vale Hotel in Hensol in September last year.
Bethan’s decision was influenced by the experiences of her nieces, broadcaster Mari Grug, who lives with metastatic cancer, and her sister Lisa, who has undergone cancer treatment.
Since the launch of the appeal, members from 276 Merched y Wawr branches and Clwbiau Gwawr groups across Wales have been fundraising in support of cancer research and women’s health initiatives.
‘Raise money, but also hope’
Speaking about the campaign, 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.”
Funds raised through the President’s Project will go towards breast cancer research and women’s health projects led by Cancer Research Wales.
The campaign has adopted the theme “Pink Positivity”, inspiring a range of colourful fundraising events and creative activities across Wales.
At the 2026 Summer Festival in Machynlleth on Saturday, May 16, members unveiled two pink dresses crafted entirely from woven and embroidered flowers. The dresses were created by Rhian Jones and her daughter Mair from Aberystwyth using more than 2,000 flowers.
An additional outfit made from Penmachno brethyn fabric was also created for the event by Dinefwr Blankets.
The garments were displayed publicly for the first time at Bro Hyddgen School and are set to appear again at the Royal Welsh Show and during the ‘1 mewn 2’ concert at the National Eisteddfod, where Bethan Picton-Davies and Mari Grug are expected to model them.
Later this month, 40 members of the Llanuwchllyn branch will also take part in a sponsored walk wearing pink wigs to raise further funds.
‘Kindness and creativity’
National Director of Merched y Wawr, Tegwen Morris, praised the efforts of members across Wales.
She 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.”
She also thanked members who had sold scarves and jewellery and organised fundraising events and activities.
Founded in Cardiff in 1966, Cancer Research Wales is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Since its establishment, the charity has invested £41.86 million into cancer research projects across Wales.
Chief Executive of Cancer Research Wales, Adam Fletcher, described the partnership as a “landmark moment” for the charity.
He said: “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.”
