Teenagers hiking Pen y Fan raise £1,250 for chemotherapy day unit

A group of teenagers from Ammanford have walked the length of Pen y Fan for charity.

Football coach Simon Jones led two groups of his players – Ammanford Town FC Girls Under 15s and Under 17s – to raise the grand total of £1,250 for Prince Philip Hospital’s Chemotherapy Day Unit.

The two teams – along with a group of coaches who support and coach them – walked up Pen y Fan together in July 2025, while Simon’s son Leo also walked the same route eight times in 24 hours, without stopping, which helped to raise more money.

The chemo unit is close to the players’ hearts. Two of the mums of players in the teams are currently undergoing treatment for cancer and being supported by medical staff in Prince Philip Hospital. Simon also has personal experience of the hospital’s chemotherapy unit, as his mother also underwent treatment there this year.

Simon said the event went really well and that everyone who participated enjoyed it.

He explained:

“There was a sense that we were doing something to be proud of, because of the reason why we were raising money.”

And the group managed to raise thousands of pounds, which is to be split with other hospitals.

Simon added:

“We have raised £1,250 for each department, £3,750 in total to donate.

“I would like to thank all players, coaches and parents who were involved. I would also like to thank all the lovely people who donated to this great cause.”

Kath Watkins, Senior Sister, said: “On behalf of the staff and patients at the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital, I would like to thank Ammanford Town FC Girls Under 15’s and 17’s , coaches, family, friends and especially Leo for taking on this tough challenge, their fundraising efforts resulting a very generous donation of £1,250.

“We are always looking at ways to improve the environment and improve the way we care for patients within the Chemotherapy Day Unit.  Please be assured that this money will go towards this improvement. Thank you.”