Sir Gareth Edwards was the special guest at a fundraising concert held in Cwmbran.
‘Gig for Gethin’ was named after Gethin Evans, a 19-year-old Croesyceiliog RFC player currently undergoing treatment for cancer in his lower femur.
His family teamed up with Pontnewydd Male Choir and singer-guitarist Paola Scarpetta to raise money for two charities that have helped Gethin- Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity and The Teenage Cancer Trust at Velindre Hospital.
It was a fun-filled night in the hall at Croesyceiliog School on Friday 23 January, with plenty of jokes from MC Martin Jones and musical director Luciano Mogni around each set.
The choir was accompanied by Annette Williams, who is in her 26th year of playing with them.
Rhys Evans, Gethin’s dad, walked on stage to thank everyone for their support and share the news that his son was hoping to attend the concert- but had to go to the hospital earlier that afternoon.
‘Absolutely incredible voices’
Eirlys Edwards, from The Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity, said: “Absolutely incredible voices from the choir and Paulo, your voice is literally like velvet, absolutely beautiful.
“If I had to summarise the evening, I’d say ‘stunning voices’ with a touch of Fawlty Towers [in a nod to the jokes and laughter enjoyed by the audience]…The fact that this family thought of others when they were going through so much themselves is incredible.”
She shared some stories of how the charity helps young people in Wales aged 15-35 adding: “…many of whom are unable to work. We give money for the basics, petrol to get to hospital, wigs for people who’ve lost their hair, specialist bras if you’ve had a mastectomy, childcare, and even food to put on the table.”