A memorial race day has raised thousands for Brain Tumour Research inspired by a father-of-three who died from the disease last year.
Renowned trainer Bernard Llewellyn, owner of BJ Llewellyn Racing Stables, hosted the inaugural Memorial Race Day at Chepstow Racecourse on 10th June. It was in memory of his son Gwilym who died from an anaplastic astrocytoma aged 51, just nine weeks after he was diagnosed.
Gwilym’s wife, Cerian said: “It was an emotional day for everyone. One of Gwilym’s former employers and close friend made a speech which was very moving and proved how loved he was. Everyone wore pink, Gwilym’s favourite colour. It was a fabulous turn out to remember and celebrate him on what would have been his 53rd birthday.”
Since Gwilym’s death in 2021, his family has raised more than £15,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Their fundraising endeavours have included taking part in Cycle 274 Miles in August, a Wear A Christmas Hat Day family bike ride and, most recently, Cerian and her best friends ran the Caerphilly 10k.
The memorial race day has topped up their fundraising total by £12,500 and Cerian said the family was “completely overwhelmed” by the generosity of guests.
She added: “We are absolutely heartbroken and miss him so much. To love someone and be with them for 32 years then not have them to share every moment with you is so hard. As a family we will continue to do what we can for as long as we can to help raise awareness and fundraise to find a cure for brain tumours.
“Next year, our daughter Jess is hoping to race in Gwilym’s colours as part of the event. I know he’d be so proud of her, he’d be proud of all of us.”
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