01/03/2012

Principality Go for Gold with Cancer Research Wales

Principality Building Society boss Graeme Yorston joined former athlete Nigel Walker on the starting blocks this week to launch the building society’s Charity of the Year for 2012.

Staff at the 52 Principality branches and 14 agencies across Wales and the borders voted for Cancer Research Wales to be named as their latest official charity.

Founded in 1966, the indigenous Welsh charity works to fund vital and pioneering research into new cancer treatments. Cancer Research Wales’ research laboratory is based at the Velindre Cancer Centre at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff – a centre of excellence for the non-surgical treatment of cancer, and the charity also funds other research into cancer at facilities across Wales.

Principality Building Society Chief Operating Officer Graeme Yorston joined Cancer Research Wales Patron and former athlete Nigel Walker and research scientists Dr Emiliano Spezi and Dr Andrew Sanders at Cardiff International Sports Stadium; to launch what they hope will be a gold-plated fundraising partnership in an Olympic year.

In previous years, Principality staff have raised in excess of £50,000 for charity through a wide range of fundraising activities – from bike rides and bake sales to mountain climbing and marathons.

This year is expected to be just as successful, with Principality Staff already pledging to take part in Cancer Research Wales events including sponsored sky dives, the St David’s Day Run in Cardiff and the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in May.

Speaking about the new partnership Principality Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Yorston, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cancer Research Wales; it is clearly a cause close to the hearts of many of our staff, demonstrated by the number votes received for the charity. The unfortunate thing about cancer is that so many people have been affected by it or touched by it in some way – the work that Cancer Research Wales helps to fund is invaluable in making positive steps towards tackling this complex illness. Our staff have proved to be incredibly active and passionate fundraisers in the past, and will once again do everything they can to support our nominated charity of the year.”

Liz Andrews, Cancer Research Wales Charity Director said: “It is fantastic to be chosen as charity of the year by Principality staff. All the money raised will stay in Wales to fund really exciting research into the fight against cancer. We are looking forward to meeting as many members of Principality staff as possible at our fundraising events throughout the year.”