With fundraising events cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions, 2020 was a challenging year for all charities, writes MOLLY POWELL.

PinC, however, managed to raise £10,000 since December 2019 by selling merchandise and receiving generous donations from the local community.

All money raised will go to the Velindre Cancer Centre, where it will be invested in research, treatments, and cures for breast cancer.

Founded over 17 years ago and undergoing two name changes, PinC has raised approximately £1 million to support Velindre’s Pink Appeal.

With just a handful of local volunteers, it is clear the charity is determined to help as many as possible, even in the toughest circumstances.

Throughout lockdown, volunteers from Blaenau Gwent and Powys knitted NHS Bluebirds to sell in local shops.

A staggering 300 to 400 birds were sold, with customers wishing to support the charity and the NHS as a whole.

Other contributions came from selling pens and the charity’s collection boxes. Although, the most significant donations came from local supporters.

Donations ranged from £1 to £1000, and local clubs, such as Blaina’s Bowl Club, generously offered their leftover funds.

For the second year running, the charity also held a short story and poetry competition in partnership with Aneurin Leisure’s library service. It still went ahead despite coronavirus restrictions, with the winner being announced virtually. The judges were Professor Anne Rowe, from the University of Chichester, Sky News’ Kate Jordan and Ceri Waters, the head of Adult Community Learning for Aneurin Leisure.

The theme for 2020was ’a Welsh connection’, and both children and adults could enter. A £5 donation was required for each adult entry, but several submitted their stories to support the charity.

Tracy Jones, Aneurin Leisure’s library service manager, said: “The competition was a great way to encourage people to get more creative.

‘‘It has grown in popularity, with so many more people entering. The standard of entry was very high, and we thoroughly enjoyed reading all the poems and stories. We are already working with Liz Sullivan to plan this year’s competition.”

The determined team behind these initiatives are Shan Caron, Gaynor Morris, Sharon Woodrow, Wendy Cole, Elizabeth Sullivan, Janine Price and Sue Davies.

They urge anyone who would like to get involved and support PinC Breast Cancer Appeal to get in touch via their Facebook page.

Founder, Elizabeth Sullivan MBE, added: “2021 began as a challenge, but we are prepared and are determined to hold events that everyone can enjoy, whenever possible, from dances, quizzes, competitions and lots more”.