Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
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Peter Hain Helps Launch Captains’ Kilimanjaro Climb

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain is backing a squad of 15 former Wales rugby captains as they face one of the greatest challenges of their career - to conquer Kilimanjaro for a Welsh cancer charity.

The Brains SA Captains’ Climb will see the 15 former captains climb to the peak of Kilimanjaro to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre.  The money raised will go towards the Stepping Stones Appeal for research into lung cancer - the biggest cancer killer in Wales.

Attending the launch at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff today, Peter Hain said:  “These are 15 Welsh players who have already reached the peak of their sporting careers by captaining the national team. They now face another daunting challenge as they prepare to climb Africa’s highest mountain. 

“I’m sure the physicality, athleticism and mental toughness associated with rugby will stand them in good stead for the task ahead.  The sense of camaraderie they’ve all experienced playing for Wales will also help drive them all forward to conquer Kilimanjaro and reach the £1million fundraising target for lung cancer research at Velindre Hospital. I wish them all the best of luck with this awesome challenge.”  

At over 19,000ft and with five different climatic zones before reaching the summit, Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.

The Wales captains, including Scott Quinnell, Scott Gibbs and Paul Thorburn, who also attended the launch, will train for the big challenge by climbing Penyfan in the Brecon Beacons this September and Snowdon next Spring.

Mr Hain added: “Fantastic team camaraderie has been seen in abundance throughout this year’s Lions tour of South Africa and I’m sure all the captains would join me in wishing the current Lions squad all the best as they prepare to restore the Lions’ Pride in the third test on Saturday.”

Notes

Velindre Cancer Centre Lung Cancer Research Department has launched the Stepping Stones Appeal to increase awareness of its work, and to raise the money necessary to continue to fund and expand its research programmes. Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer death in Wales. There are nearly 2,000 people newly diagnosed with lung cancer in Wales every year. Although most cases are associated with smoking, there are an increased number of suffers who have never smoked.

The Lung Cancer Research Fund at Velindre Cancer Centre is managed by Dr Jason Lester and funds local research into treatments and management of the illness.

The Stepping Stones Appeal will provide:

Funding for local lung cancer research projects. Increased income means we will be able to provide support for local research projects looking at improving patient care.

Educational grants to doctors, nurses and other health professionals involved in the care of lung cancer patients.

Equipment provision. Advances in technology mean that treatment is being delivered more efficiently and safely. The Stepping Stones Appeal will help purchase equipment to improve the way lung cancer patients are treated.

You can support the Captains Climb at:

www.justgiving.com/brainssacaptainsclimb/

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