The Union family's story | Giving back to Velindre

23 June 2025

For John Union, now an Independent Board Member at Velindre University NHS Trust, his personal connection to Velindre began in 2006, when his wife Denise found a lump and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Over the next six years, Denise received care and treatment from Velindre Cancer Service during both remission and secondary cancer.

At the point of secondary cancer diagnosis, the family were attending Velindre every month. Denise's daughter Vicki explained that Denise received constant advice: "She was with the team all the time, which was almost like friendship then as well. You know people, it was a nice place to be.''

John described the lasting impact of the family's journey with cancer, expressing: ''Even driving here today, your stomach turns. Through the memories, but also the thought of the people who are coming here, particularly those who are coming for the first time, you know the apprehension of the unknown, and the wider family that it impacts.''

Something that the Union Family highlights is how supportive Velindre was during those incredibly difficult years - not only for Denise, but also the wider Union family, including their children Vicki and Richard. Vicki was between finishing university and working when Denise had secondary cancer, and therefore spent a lot of time with her mother for tests and treatments. The family said Denise benefitted from one of the resources Velindre Cancer Charity funds: wig vouchers.

Vicki said: ''Everyone showed such kindness, and made it not depressing to be there even though, obviously, it is a depressing time.''

''She was very well looked after by all the staff here, from whoever they were – the receptionists, clinicians, and nurses,'' added John.

Denise sadly passed away in 2012, aged 56. To this day, Velindre Cancer Service has never left the Union family’s hearts which is clear to see, by way of their donor and fundraising activities over many years.

At the time, John was working at Barclays, where he had many customers who kindly donated to Velindre Cancer Charity the first year after Denise's death. Vicki has also taken on challenges like the Cardiff Bay 10K in memory of Denise.

Arguably the Union family's most successful fundraising event to date, took place this year in March. John said: ''The whole idea for the fundraising event was to remember Denise on what would have been her 70^th birthday, raise money for the charity, and have a good family event. And all objectives were met.''

The family's evening fundraiser was a hit. They were able to source some amazing raffle prizes, including a bed and breakfast stay at the Celtic Manor, Charlotte Tilbury vouchers, and Monty Don VIP tickets. Alongside this, they received local support and donations from many businesses in Penarth, like hairdressers, nail salons and restaurants – simply by telling them about the event and asking for support.

John said: ''Businesses have money set aside for charity so, they love looking for participation of local events. My advice to people is if you're looking to raise money, go out and ask.''

After gaining match-funding from Barclays, the Union family had raised approximately five and a half thousand pounds for Velindre, an awe-inspiring amount to be hugely proud of.

John explained the emotive significance behind the event: "I need to say this without getting too emotional, but, when Denise found out her cancer was terminal, she said 'I'll never get to meet my grandchildren'. So when Vicki rang me up with the idea of the event, I wanted to support Vicki because we now have all four grandchildren, and they're her grandchildren too. And they were going to be there.''

The Union family have continuously given back to Velindre Cancer Charity, driven by a desire to give back to the place that supported them when they needed it most. John Union's message to future fundraisers is simple: start the conversation.

Whether you’re an individual with an idea, a small local company, or a large corporate organisation, getting involved in fundraising for Velindre is more achievable than you might think, and the impact is profound.

Inspired by the Union family? From local fundraising events to personal challenges, your support helps ensure people with cancer receive the care, kindness and hope they need.

Find out how you can get involved with Velindre Cancer Charity today.