Velindre Chair joins supporters on inspiring Sierra Nevada Challenge

13 August 2025

A team of 58 Velindre fundraisers embarked on a three-day trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain in June, united by a shared goal: raising vital funds for Velindre Cancer Charity and supporting patients and families cared for by Velindre Cancer Service.

Together, they raised a net profit of just under £130,000 - a staggering amount that will make a lasting difference by funding cutting-edge equipment and pioneering research to support people in communities across Wales.

The dedicated group logged several hours of walking, and tens of thousands of steps each day of the expedition. The trek culminated with participants summiting the highest peak in mainland Spain, Mount Mulhacen, standing at 3,428 metres. Reaching the summit and completing the trek was an awe-inspiring achievement, testing participants both physically and emotionally.

Among those taking part was Sara Moseley, Chair of Velindre University NHS Trust. Having joined the Trust in September 2025, Sara embraced the challenge just 10 months later, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the work of Velindre Cancer Charity by immersing herself in both raising funds and the endurance challenge itself.

As Chair of Velindre University NHS Trust, Sara's participation also reflects the importance of maintaining a close connection between the Trust's leadership and the patients, supporters, volunteers and staff who make up the wider Velindre community. By taking part in the challenge alongside fundraisers, Sara experienced firsthand the dedication and generosity that underpins so much of the charity's work.

Sara said: "I haven't been at Velindre that long. I started in September, but I just saw immediately what an amazing difference the charity makes. I went in to see Michelle [Pengelley – Specialist Nurse] and she showed me the family room and the books. I met the therapies team, and I learnt about the psychological support, and the complementary therapies, and I thought - I've just got to do this, I've just got to do this. And it terrified me raising the money.

"I've been able to see very clearly how crucial the charity is to creating better experiences for patients and funding crucial research. That's why I joined our incredible volunteers and charity staff to do this walk," she added, having raised over £4,100 herself via JustGiving.

During the trek, in conversation with Velindre Cancer Charity patron Rhod Gilbert, Sara reflected on the unique atmosphere of a Velindre overseas trek and the camaraderie formed among participants.

Participants took part for many personal reasons. Some had been patients themselves, some were supporting friends or family members currently undergoing cancer treatment, while others walked in memory of loved ones who had received care at Velindre. Velindre staff members also took part, having been inspired by the profound impact of cancer patients' and their families' bravery every day. Like previous overseas challenges, bonds were formed, and lifelong friendships were made.

Sara said: "Lots of people I've met have walked with you [Rhod], on a number of these treks, and they're here because of what you say - that camaraderie, and the fact that everybody talks, don't they? They talk about their lives and why they're here. They're really unique I think these walks.

"There are so many generous beautiful souls here really – and all kinds of different people. And you don't know what anybody's background is when you arrive, you're just all here because there's something that's made you want to give back."

For Sara, the Sierra Nevada challenge was about far more than reaching the summit. It was an opportunity to stand alongside the supporters, volunteers and staff who give so much of their time and energy to Velindre Cancer Charity. Through shared experiences, conversations and challenges, the trek reinforced the vital connection between the Trust's leadership and the communities they serve, while helping to raise nearly £130,000 to support patients and families affected by cancer across Wales.