GWENT thyroid cancer patient Gillian Parry enlisted the support of friends, family and fellow patients for a fun day to raise money for Wales' biggest cancer centre.

Mrs Parry, from Chapel Farm Terrace, Cwmcarn, wanted to give something back to Cardiff's Velindre Hospital for the treatment and care that has helped her bounce back from the disease.

And the 39-year-old, whose story was featured in the Argus last Saturday, said the fundraising effort had surpassed expectations.

"We had a lovely day and I'd say we've raised about £1,000, hopefully more. But we're amazed because we weren't expecting anything like this. We were only hoping for a couple of hundred," she said.

Mother of two Mrs Parry required treatment with a radioactive pill following two operations during which her cancerous thyroid gland was removed.

She had to be isolated for several days in a special room at Velindre, then had several weeks where her children were not allowed to live with her because she was too radioactive.

She is now waiting to be told that she is clear.

Almost two years on, fellow members of the Tenovus Thyroid Cancer Support Group, which is raising money for Velindre, came to Pontywaun for a day of fundraising events.

"We did a sponsored walk in the morning from the Philanthropic pub, through Risca on the canal and back," said Mrs Parry.

"We had 25 people along and it was supposed to be four miles, but I think was more like five.

"In the afternoon, my ex-brother-in-law came along and had his head shaved, so did a friend of mine with very long hair, and my dad, Tudor Edwards, had his back waxed.

"That was very painful, but he said, 'I'm raising money for my daughter,' and sat there, grimacing!"