A music festival held each year in Caerphilly town has raised more than £250,000 for charity.
Last year’s Megaday, held at Caerphilly RFC’s Virginia Park, managed to raise £20,000 for Velindre Hospital. The fundraising event was first launched in 1995 and last year’s total means it has now raised the sum of £252,000.
The festival is held in memory of two local musicians, Andrew Nichols and Paul Grahame, who sadly both lost their lives to cancer.
Until his death in 2001, Paul had played at every Megaday with his band PG and the Tips and had also played a major role in organising the festival.
Last year’s Megaday was particularly poignant as its driving force, founder Steve Sullivan, announced he was standing down as its main organiser.
Steve, better known as Suggs to his friends, said: “The last 19 years have been a glowing tribute to the popularity and spirit of Andrew and Paul. They would be extremely moved to know that so many people have enjoyed raising so much money in their names for such a good cause.
“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has played their part over the years in making it all possible.”
Megaday organiser Peter Hopkins said: “We knew we had to raise £17,500 last year to hit our target, so to raise over £20,000 was a huge success. Reaching the £250,000 milestone is a fantastic achievement – everyone involved should be very proud.”
This year’s Megaday will be held on August 24 2014 and will be the event’s 20th anniversary.
Andrew Morris Head of Fundraising at Velindre said: “The Megaday Festival has established itself as a premier date in the music calendar and is well known throughout Wales.
“It has provided entertainment and enjoyment for thousands of people, while all the time raising funds to support cancer patients and their families in Wales.
“To have raised over £250,000, and much of this fundraising taking place during very difficult economic conditions, is truly remarkable.
“The commitment and support of the Megaday team for Velindre, superbly led by Steve Sullivan, has been exceptional, and a fitting tribute to the two boys who inspired Megaday in the first place. Everyone at Velindre is very grateful for their support.”
• For more information on this year’s Megaday visit www.megaday.net.