A 24-HOUR rowing challenge, inspired by a man’s cancer battle, has been a “huge success”.

Father-of-two and lorry driver, Alfie Prenga, was diagnosed with cancer in March 2021 – he underwent chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, two bouts of sepsis, and many other complications, but is now on the road to recovery.

Barry And District News:

Mr Prenga, who has two sons - 14-year-old Deon and nine-year-old Mataio - said:

“Throughout the year Velindre was outstanding – the treatment and care was top class.

“We were even allocated our own family support specialist nurse, Michele Pengelly, who was wonderful to us and our boys - showing them around, and explaining the process, trying to make it less scary for them.

“She was also an amazing support to my wife, Denise. Nothing was ever to much trouble and Michele always went above and beyond no matter what time or day.”

Due to this “outstanding” treatment, when Mr Prenga’s employer CASS Supplies LTD asked him to pick a charity for their 24-hour rowing challenge he chose Velindre – with the hope that funds will help ensure Velindre can have specialist family support nurses, provide families with equipment needed at home, and more.

Barry And District News:

From midday on March 1 until midday the following day staff at CASS Supplies Ltd rowed for a consecutive 24 hours – with Mr Prenga rowing the last two minutes of the challenge.

“It was a huge success,” said CASS Supplies LTD employee Nicola Johnson.

“Alfie’s Velindre nurse – who he refers to as his guardian angel – came along, as did some of the Velindre fundraising team.

“It was fabulous - we raised around £4,500 in donations, which is just outstanding.”

Barry And District News:

Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/3tLUSDu

“Everyone at CASS did us proud,” added Mr Prenga.

“We are very proud of them and will be forever thankful especially to [managing director] Tom Gent.

“I'd also like to say a special thanks to all of my family and friends for all their help and support and I'll be forever grateful, especially to my mother-in-law, Karen Haan and my wife Denise Prenga.”

To find out more about Velindre and their work visit https://velindre.nhs.wales/