The shirt will be worn in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT). The charity’s blue kit is reminiscent of the Monmouth County shirt colours and, as with last year, this one-off limited edition shirt will be worn for the game then auctioned to raise money for teenagers and young adults with cancer.
TCT focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer by providing these specialist teenage units. These units are boosting survival rates. The charity are currently raising funds for the first Welsh unit, more commonly known as the ‘Skypad’, which is currently under construction at the University Hospital of Wales, adjacent to the New Children’s Hospital.
Eiddwen Evans, Chair of TCT Wales Fundraising Committee, said: “This will be the first time Welsh teenagers with cancer will have access to such specialist facilities. The Skypad is TCT’s most ambitious project to date and will be built on stilts between the adult and paediatric oncology centres at a cost of £3.4 million. We are thrilled that the Dragons have opted to support this worthy cause and we thank, in advance, all those who bid for the jerseys in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Dragons Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins added: “When the players became aware of this appeal, it immediately struck a cord with them. Several of the players have had members of their families who have been affected by Cancer. When we heard that up to six teenagers a day are diagnosed with cancer then it really struck home how lucky we all are.
“Because teenagers experience growth spurts, the cancers grow quicker and therefore treatment centres that specialise in looking after teenagers are vitally important. By our small efforts we hope to bring publicity to the cause and also raise the much needed funds.”
The shirts are limited to 40 in total and will be auctioned via TCT’s website and a limited number will be raffled on the day of the match. Last year the change of shirt raised £10,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and a similar amount is hoped for this time around. For further information please go to www.teenagecancertrust.org.
