An open mic night held at Caerphilly Social Club has raised almost £6,500 for Velindre Cancer Centre.
The charity night, held last month, was organised by 51-year-old Kirsty Henderson – herself a patient at Velindre.
Mrs Henderson, from Caerphilly, said: “We’ve held this event every year since 2015, raising almost £30,000.
“Some of the auction prizes we had included signed shirts from Gareth Bale, rugby jerseys, Euro 2016 memorabilia and Joe Calzaghe’s gloves.
“About 300 people turned up this year and it was absolutely rammed.”
Mrs Henderson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and had a mastectomy, as well as having her lymph nodes removed.
After chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Mrs Henderson was given the all-clear, but was diagnosed with cancer again last year.
“Last August I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer behind my right eye and although not operable and the prognosis is grave, it’s not going to kill me today or tomorrow. We just have to take every day as it comes.
“But on a positive note, I’m lucky because now a marvellous team look after me for life with regular MRI scans, bloods and life saving pills, so I’m luckier than most.
“And yet again thanks to the pioneering treatment at Velindre the tumour has shrunk by 30% in six months since diagnosis, I’m really lucky.”
Mrs Henderson added: “The reason I do this is my husband and I wanted to give something back to the greatest hospital ever, we are so fortunate to have a cancer hospital on my doorstep. Everyone is so cheerful.
“I want to thank Glyn Glover for being able to source so many amazing auction items and acting as auctioneer on the day.
“I also want to thank all the local businesses that willingly give raffle prizes year-in-year-out, and the people that turn up on the day with additional raffle and auction prizes.
“But mainly I want to thank everyone that turns up each year to buy my raffle and auction items and for making the day such a success.”
Ian Carter, chairman of Caerphilly Social Club, said: “The club will help in any way it can, as it has done the last few years.
“At the end of the day, this is all down to Kirsty. Any time this event goes on we are only too happy to help.
“All the local artists who came to perform on the day, free of charge, were great. It’s great for Velindre and it’s great for our club.”
Kylie McKee, deputy head of fundraising for Velindre, said: “We would like to thank Kirsty for her ongoing support and raising a phenomenal amount of money year-on-year.
“I think it’s a testament to the person she is and the respect that everybody who knows her has for her.
“The money she raises will make a difference to cancer patients and their families in Wales.”
Caerphilly Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Prew, was at the presentation event.
He said: “Velindre are my chosen charity and I want to participate in Velindre events across Caerphilly during my time as mayor.
“I first met Kirsty at this event last year. What she has done is absolutely fantastic.”
To make a donation to Velindre, visit www.velindrefundraising.com/donate.