Russell and Barbara Hughes-Pickering began fundraising for Prostate Cymru at their wedding on Friday 10th June. Their big day was held on The Royal Pier in Aberystwyth, making history as the first ever wedding to be held on the iconic seafront structure. Guests were encouraged to wear Prostate Cymru pin badges and make donations to the charity on the day. The couple also set up a JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Russell-Hughes-Pickering. To date the couple’s fundraising has exceeded their initial target of £2500.
The wedding took place just months after Russell’s diagnosis of prostate cancer. Russell, who works for Ceredigion County Council, was diagnosed with the disease in December 2015 following a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. The cancer was found early and Russell underwent a robotic prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robotic system based in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff in February. Russell was operated upon by Mr Neil Fenn, one of five surgeons whose training for the Da Vinci equipment was funded by Prostate Cymru. Following a relatively pain free and quick recovery, Russell was able to continue planning his recent wedding.
Russell and Barbara now hope to continue raising awareness and fundraising for the charity through their workplaces and the local county football leagues.