Cardiff Blues would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the #StayStrongForOws fundraising and awareness campaign - with the region today able to reveal over £190,000 has now been raised for Owen Williams.
Williams, who suffered a serious spinal injury in action for Blues in Singapore last June, has been undertaking his rehabilitation and long-term recovery at Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff.
The rugby community across Wales and the wider world have rallied behind the Wales international over the last 11 months.
Hundreds of fundraising efforts have taken place in support of the #StayStrongForOws campaign, launched in conjunction with Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust.
Major events that have taken place include:
- Over 500 guests, including Warren Gatland and Stuart Lancaster, attending the sold out 6 Nations lunch at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park ahead of the Wales vs England clash with over £36,000 raised.
- Over 20,000 #StayStrongForOws wristbands have been sold around the world.
- Cardiff City FC held a special #StayStrongForOws day at league fixture with Norwich.
- Aberdare RFC has raised £40,000 over last 12 months.
- Dansation XII at St David’s Hall with The Debbie Chapman Dancers held in aid of the #StayStrongForOws fundraising and awareness campaign.
- WREX - set-up by the Welsh Former International Players Association to provide fundraising events for the Welsh Former International Players Benevolent Fund – donated £25,000.
- A dinner organized by Sam Warburton raised over £20,000 for #StayStrongForOws and Velindre.
The latest major fundraising event will now take place this coming Wednesday (June 3) when over 35 riders will ride from Cardiff to Paris over four days – and each cyclist has already pledged to raise a minimum of £2,000!
Richard Holland, Chief Executive at Cardiff Blues, who is one of those taking part in the bike ride, said: “We have been absolutely thrilled by the kindness, generosity and support of the rugby community and wider world for the #StayStrongForOws campaign.
“Events take place every single week for Owen and to raise such a major sum is fantastic as every penny makes a difference. 100% of monies raised go to Owen and our support for him is in the long-term – he will always be part of this region.
“We have many more fundraising events planned with the Cardiff to Paris Bike Ride – that will include players, backroom staff and members of Owen’s family as riders – just one of those special events.
“Owen’s story, his resilience, attitude and determination to meet every challenge head-on has been an inspiration to us all and we thank everyone who has contributed so far to the #StayStrongForOws campaign.”
*Anyone who wishes to donate funds direct to Owen Williams can also do so by sending cheques to Cardiff Blues, BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1JA and made payable to the 'Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust' and marked 'for Owen Williams'.
You can also donate using a Text to Donate number. Text SSFO99 £_ to 70070 to donate an amount of your choice - put the figure of your choice after the '£'.