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As the Wales football team heads to the World Cup for the first time since 1958 there are lots of people across the country getting behind the team. Helping Hands, a charity in Rhymney, is no exception.

The charity has two shops on Rhymney High Street and is selling Welsh flags, bunting and of course, bucket hats.

“I don’t think there are many in Wales who don’t have a bucket hat now,” said Paul Thomas, the retail manager.

The hats are often red, yellow and green with a Wales logo at the front and have gained popularity with Welsh football fans over the last few years, particularly following Wales’ success at EURO 2016.

Helping Hands is selling Welsh World Cup products to capitalise on the popularity of the event in order to raise money. “As soon as Wales qualified in June, we sort of got on the ball then,” said Paul.

There’s even a dedicated window display with three rows of bucket hats designed by Paul. “We do try and connect to any major events, especially Welsh major events,” he said. “Next year it will be the Rugby World Cup.”

It’s paying off – the shop has sold about 300 bucket hats, according to Paul and all proceeds have gone directly to the charity, which helps people around the local area who have cancer.

“We supply free-of-charge hospital runs for any cancer sufferers,” said Paul. The charity also provides items people may need when returning home from hospital, such as commodes or wheelchairs free of charge.

“A lot of people are in hospital and can’t get out because they haven’t got the wheelchair, they haven’t got this, they haven’t got that,” said Paul.

Receiving items like these from Helping Hands can sometimes mean that people can leave the hospital quicker than if they waited for NHS services. Anyone with a serious illness or disability can access this ‘Home Comforts Lending Service’.

Helping Hands has been running since 1994 with one bric-a-brac shop and one clothes shop and their help is available for people in Rhymney, Deri, Pontlottyn, Abertysswg and Fochriw.

They are community-driven so their prices are fair for customers too, especially given the cost of living crisis.

“We are one of the cheapest sellers of [bucket hats] because of the area we live in,” said Paul.  “There’s not a lot of spare money around at the moment is there?” 

The hats are being sold for £7.99 in both the shop and online on the Helping Hands eBay page. In fact, Paul needs to order more stock from his wholesaler in Treforest as he has nearly run out now that local schools are starting to buy into the excitement. 

“We sold bucket hats in school this morning,” said Paul, talking about his successful visit to Bryn Awel Primary School. 

“They’re all going to watch the Iran game,” he said, referring to the students who will be taking full advantage of the Welsh Government’s decision to allow schools to cancel lessons to watch the match on Friday, November 25.

Paul and his colleague will be watching the match too. Then they’ll start preparing for the Rugby World Cup next year. “You’ve got to get involved,” said Paul. 

• Helping Hands can be found at 74 and 75 Rhymney High Street, and contacted on 01685 844888.