Event in tribute to much-loved dad and “larger-than-life” character raises £20,000 for Tenovus Cancer Care

An event and auction held by a Llandeilo hotel and restaurant owner in memory of his “larger- than-life” dad who tragically passed away from cancer last October has raised a staggering £20,000 for Tenovus Cancer Care.

Andrew Roberts, owner of The Plough in Rhosmaen, held the event in tribute to dad Bernard, and in partnership with our Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care fundraisers.

Bernard – affectionately known as Mold – was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and given weeks to live. He was well known at The Plough for helping his son and staff by carrying out chores such as mowing the lawn or serving behind the carvery. It would have been Mold’s birthday on Saturday and the event was a celebration of his life.

Andrew read an emotional tribute to his dad at the event, which was a sell-out.
He said:

Guest speaker at the event was Lowri Griffiths, Director of Support, Policy & Insight at Tenovus Cancer Care. She said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to join Andrew and our wonderful volunteers from the Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care group and all their guests at The Plough on this special evening.

“Andrew has a long history of supporting us, and we are incredibly grateful to him, the staff, and all the generous donations that local business have made towards the auction. Without the support of communities like this, we would not be able to do the work we do for people affected by cancer.

“The challenges within the health system and the impact that the NHS is still feeling following Covid-19 means that people being diagnosed with cancer are more in need of support than ever before. We already support more than 10% of people diagnosed with cancer in Wales each year, but we want to reach so many more, and events like this will help us with our ambition to give help, hope, and a voice to all families affected by cancer.”

Bids for the 35 auction items were taken in the days before and during the event on Friday. Prizes donated included a Fortnum & Mason food hamper, a tandem sky dive festival tickets, glamping experience, and a week-long break in the Cotswolds.

Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care Chair, Adeline Davies, said:
“The auction would never have happened without the enthusiasm and energy of Andrew. He was the driving force behind it. It was a hugely emotional night - we were all so sad to hear of Bernard’s passing.

“Our group has a long-standing relationship with Andrew, and his family. We are so grateful to Andrew for holding this event, and his ongoing support.

“The massive amount raised is testament to Andrew’s dedication to the cause and the sterling support of the local community.”

Llandeilo Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care has been running since the early 1980s. Members have raised almost £300,000 since our records began 19 years back.