Wales Netball
June 10, 2025
On Sunday 6th April 2025, the Llanelli Netball League hosted the Peony Mixed Netball Tournament in association with Gomer Williams Solicitors and Coleg Sir Gar, and all proceeds raised were donated to the Chemotherapy Unit – Prince Philip Hospital. This was hosted in support of one of the leagues own Umpires, Heidi Charles (lead organiser for the tournament), who courageously shared her cancer journey which inspired a flood of support and donations.
Heidi devastatingly lost her younger sister to advanced breast cancer in 2012, and just twelve months later, Heidi found a lump herself. She was distraught and scared, but with the help of an amazing GP and due to family history, she was lucky enough to be seen very quickly at the Peony Breast Care Unit, Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.
“Whilst I was undergoing chemotherapy, I remember asking Mr Holt my Consultant Breast Care Surgeon when or if I could play netball again. He said I would be able to play again in due course but nothing competitive! Following my recovery, I volunteered and worked in the Peony Unit for 4 years. The staff are amazing, and their care, compassion and kindness is second to none.” – Heidi Charles
The Chemotherapy Unit not only treats breast care, but also other types of cancer and respective oncology treatments. She received first-class treatment from the staff who strive to make the world a better place for patients, patients’ families and communities, and has always wanted to give back to them. She has always treasured her family, friends, and those who stood by her and gave her strength when she needed it most, which included her netball family in the Llanelli Netball League. Bringing the two together, she organised this incredible tournament and donated all proceeds to improve the patient experience at the Chemotherapy unit.
The tournament was also used to promote the importance of giving blood and stem cell donations and how this can save someone’s life. Maria Perego, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist, entered a team into the tournament, and used this space to highlight how a high percentage of patients with blood cancers are extremely dependent on blood product transfusions and/or bone marrow transplants as a part of their treatments. Ward 7 attached to the Peony Chemotherapy Suite in Prince Philip Hospital even entered a team into the tournament!
A total of 24 teams took park in the 10 hours mixed netball marathon, helped along by 13 umpires, a multitude of scorers and raffle ticket sellers. The total amount raised at the fundraiser came to an absolutely staggering £3,250. Breast Physician Dr Anita Maria Huws MD shared her thanks:
“On behalf of the Chemotherapy Unit in Prince Philip Hospital, we would like to express our gratitude to Heidi, Denise, and everyone involved in the organisation of the tournament, to all the teams, the supporters, families and the wider Netball community.
I have worked in the Surgical Oncology Unit for nearly 34 years, and I know that I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that it has been our privilege to have been involved in the care of patients and their families in the Peony Chemotherapy Unit.
The money raised today will go towards helping patients in the Chemotherapy unit and we are extremely grateful to you all for giving up your Sunday, especially on such a beautiful day to support this cause.
Diolch o galon / thank you”
Through the power of netball and sport, their local community came together to make an incredible impact on the lives of others! As commented on by Llanelli League Chair:
“Thank you, Heidi, for bravely sharing your story. To all players, umpires, scorers, raffle ticket sellers, supporters, family, friends old and new, thank you for your support and for your belief in doing good to benefit our community. We simply couldn’t do what we do without amazing people like you. None of our success would be possible without your generous support.
Thank you for your commitment and kindness to our Llanelli Netball League Family and in support of Heidi raising much needed funds for our local Chemotherapy Unit. Such a happy day filled with fun and friendship. Netball is more than a game!” Denise Craddock LNL Chairwoman
We are thankful to Heidi for allowing us to share her story and wish her all the health and happiness moving forward.
