Megaday - All profits to Velindre Hospital Wales

Megaday 2002 was the year that nearly never happened. Some residents close to the Megaday venue at nearby Badgers Wood opposed the event due to noise issues. We would like to point out that it was only a small minority of residents who actually objected, in fact, only two residents turned up to state their case at the official hearing with Caerphilly County Borough Council. We did also receive many calls from residents living in the Badgers Wood and Bedwas area who pledged their support for Megaday.

When news of the objections got out, we were flooded with messages of support. Below is just a selection of e-mails we received. They were very moving and just showed the strength of passion there is for such a good-natured worthwhile event. Thanks to all who took the time to contact us and make Megaday 2002 possible.

The Show Must Go On !

Megaday 24th & 25th August 2002

I spent 8 weeks working in Velindre Hospital as a student nurse. Most of my time was speaking to patients about how they were coping with their diagnosis. It upset me quite a lot to see how they were suffering and I only wish I could have helped them in some way. Attending Megaday is one way in which everyone has an opportunity to help raise money for Velindre. I don't see how anyone has the right to stop this amazing event going ahead.
Everyone has met someone with Cancer so they should understand how important this event really is.
Telling my patients about Megaday gave them some hope and they were so pleased to here that there were people out there helping the hospital.
I have attended nearly every Megaday and there has never been any trouble. It's a fun day for families and young people. I think it is selfish of some local residents to try and stop this event happening. One day out of all the year isn't too much to ask for, and I'm sure if they attended the event they too would love it as much as everyone else who will be there.
£45,000 is an amazing amount of money to raise, let us be able to raise more!!

Ruth Hopkins

I was surprised and sorry to hear of your problems with the Entertainments Licence.

I live at one of the closest properties to Bedwas Rugby Club and do not find the noise from the event a major problem, I believe the fund raising and the fact that the event provides something otherwise lacking for the residents of the area far outweighs any minor inconvenience to a few.

Good luck for this year and a long and successful future.

Steve Jones

As a resident of Bedwas I don't feel that Megaday causes any major inconvenience whatsoever. It's a great event which helps an extremely worthy good cause.

Don't allow a miserable minority spoil it.

Tim Wegener

I'm really sad and worried, that such an important fundraising event is being blocked. I think the organisers, should be supported, for their efforts. Cancer is one of the most frightening words, in the English language, it could affect any one of us at any time, and we should all support the funding of cancer research, in the hope that one day, there will be a cure, and many dear lives will be saved. I hope the residents of Bedwas, and the organisers of megaday, can come up with a compromise soon.

all the best, from

ceri, newquay, cornwall.

It is with great regret that I have been informed of the objections to this
years Megaday. Over the years, I have been a regular at the event and can honestly say that I have been more and more impressed ,as each year goes by. Both by the standard of the artists, and the audience.
I have NEVER seen any trouble of any kind at the events, and can only put that down to the high standard of clientele and organisation. A discerning observation about the events, is that no visible security has been employed over the past years, as there has been no need for this. This can only be seen as an indication of the minimal amount of trouble.
There has only been a mass of good feeling for a worthy cause. Everybody who attends, is conscious of the meaning of Megaday, and how it started. The behavior of the crowds surely typifies the intent of the day - genuine support for those who have been touched by cancer.
I think that even today, cancer is treated as a taboo subject. People do not like talking about it because it is such a terrible disease that does not discriminate (I personally have lost 3 immediate family members to cancer). But by broadcasting the message to young people in such a positive way, you can at least take away the stigma attached to it.

I am sure the residents have concerns, and the only way to reach a solution is for all parties to communicate honestly and openly. I hope that Megaday, Bedwas Rugby club, Caerphilly Council, and the residents of the area can meet in an agreeable manner to resolve this problem. I am sure that if you look at police statistics for recent events in the area, you will find that past Megaday events have received fewer complaints than other comparable occasions.

I sincerely hope that all parties can come to an agreeable solution, that will allow the event to take place in the spirit that it is intended.

I sincerely send my best wishes to ALL those involved in the event, and congratulate them on a job well done over the past years, and for the continuing success of the event.

If you need any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I
look forward to witnessing another fantastic Megaday soon.

Kindest regards

Richard Lewis

The event has my full support. I have lived in Bedwas all my life and where possible supported Megaday. I cannot understand why such a well organised, well intentioned and good natured event should be spoiled by a few party poopers. Those people should consider that one day they may need the support and help of Velindre and where would they be without such establishments and their supporters?

Roger Harding

This is just a brief note in support of what you are doing for Velindre in
the form of Megaday.

I have a personal interest in the raising of money for Cancer Research as Leukemia took the life of my 7 year old brother.

I have heard that there is a petition being formed and I sincerely hope
that this does not effect the go-ahead of Megaday 2002 as it raises
thousands of pounds for Cancer Research - you all do an excellent job.

With best wishes.

CLAIRE WALDRON

Why do some people feel the need to complain about one day out of their lives that's for the sake of a very good cause? They're in the very small minority and should find something more worthwhile to whinge about

Elizabeth

Megaday is and always will be a fantastic vehicle to allow members of the community to stop and think of others for a while.
All of the efforts of the people who organise and the people who participate in the event are greatly received.
These actions can and do make a difference and perhaps the people who wish to prevent megaday from taking place this year should put things into context.
There always seems to be somebody moaning about the youth of today, or why doesn't somebody do something.
Well somebody is doing something.. something worthwhile and the thought of people getting on their high horses because there may be some noise over 1 weekend really makes me question their priorities.

If their mother, father, son, daughter became struck down by CANCER then I'm sure that they would appreciate all the help and support that is provided by organisations such as Velindre Hospital.

WE know its not perfect but its the best that we can do. Think for a while and consider that many hospitals and Hospices now rely on charitable support to provide their services and allows them to help people in times of great distress and worry.

Think with your hearts and not with your heads and allow the continuation of this most valuable cause.

God forbid you may need their help one day!

Shaun Williams

I was quite appalled to read of the objections that have been received by Caerphilly County Council to your Megaday event .

Don't these "FEW" residents realise what they are doing by trying to stop this important charitable event. Thousands of pounds have been raised by a small group of dedicated young people for the good of all residents within the County and indeed for South East Wales who have the misfortune to require treatment at one of the leading cancer hospitals.

I understand that Velindre Hospital has acknowledged that this one event each year raises more money than all others and without it development of improved treatment would be restricted.

I wish you the very best in fighting these objectors and hope that good sense will prevail.

Best wishes for a truly MEGADAY.

Huw

It will be a great pity if this years event is cancelled. I have attended every Megaday event and am proud to have played a part in such a worthwhile cause. So many of us are touched in some way by cancer it is vital that events such as this take place to ensure that research and care can be funded for the future. The young people of Caerphilly can and should be very proud of what they have achieved over the years, particularly as they seem to get so much bad press.

I hope that the residents have a change of heart on this issue. After all, its is only 2 days in every 365. Many people make a lot of sacrifices, and spend a lot of time and money to ensure that Megaday runs smoothly. It really would be a shame if the momentum built up over the years was halted now. Perhaps the residents should be encouraged to come along, they may even enjoy it.

Yours in full support

Sean

Well since reading the notice about a petition to stop Megaday on the
Megaday website message board this morning I have not been able to think about anything else because of the frustration I have towards the small group of people who do not realise how important Megaday is, not just to the THOUSANDS of people who turn up year after year after year but more importantly to the people who are in or go to Velindre Hospital for treatment or support for one of the biggest killers in the country Cancer.

The money raised, which I believe is an amazing £45,000.00 hello yes
£45,000.00, is given to Velindre to help towards the battle people face when fighting this disease and I really can't understand why anyone would be opposed to this because of noise.

I can understand that the weekend may be noisy for local residents, but why are these people sitting in their houses on a bank holiday weekend, I say get up, get out, and get over there joining in and enjoying themselves with everyone else and feeling that in their own little way they have contributed something towards the battle against Cancer, I'm sure you would agree that is a much more worth while way to spend their time. Maybe the people concerned have trouble getting about or over to Megaday, but I'm sure a way around that could be found maybe volunteers could help in this situation.

Look at the Big Cheese weekend I'm sure that the council wouldn't even consider stopping that because of a petition about incontinence and Megaday is the next big event to the Big Cheese to promote Caerphilly, in my eyes anyway, it sends out to people that people in Caerphilly care and can work together for a very worthy cause.

So please don't let a few names on a petition stop the licence being granted for one of the best, if not the best weekend in Caerphilly. Think of all the sufferers of Cancer that the money raised has helped and all the disappointed people, of ALL ages, not just from Caerphilly but surrounding areas as well who look forward to the next Megaday from the day it ends the year before.

Good Luck

Bronagh

Megaday quite simply MUST go ahead. It is a wonderful event that has raised so much money for Cancer research and treatment here in Wales.

I have had the honor to be personally involved in the last four years (including this one) and have attended all but the very first years event. During this time I have spoken to fund raisers from Velindre who have said how important this fundraiser is for them and have learnt how much the Caerphilly public love the event.

My grandmother was treated there and a good friend also had treatment there. For them, Megaday must go ahead!

Regards

Guy Cooper

I understand that there is going to be a meeting to see if Megaday can be stopped from going ahead. I have been going to Megaday ever since it first started, and I myself along with hundreds of others would be very upset if it gets cancelled this year.
Youngsters are often branded as being too selfish or too lazy to do
anything for charity and Megaday is our way of showing that we do care. So much money is raised every year for cancer charities and to take this away would be wrong.
All the organisers are doing is trying to help by offering a fun day out
for everyone of all ages. Please, please do not take this fundraising event away from us.

Helen

I would just like to point out what a loss I feel the cancellation of
Megaday would mean to the people of Caerphilly.

Are the residents of Badgers Wood / Bedwas forgetting the meaning behind this day? Maybe they need to be reminded of the amount of money raised every year through this spectacular event, for Cancer Research.

People of all ages enjoy this event and have done from the off-set. The
families that re-visit this event year after year will be able to back me
up on this one.

Aside from the good cause, it is also a platform for local young talent and bloody good fun over the August Bank Holiday.

Tell these people to get a life. This is a fun two days out for the family
over the Holiday and is enjoyed year after year by the people of Caerphilly and it's surrounding areas. I am getting married on the Saturday, but will make damn sure that I'm there on Sunday. I don't want to miss out!!

Hail Megaday!!

Clare

I have recently looked around your website and I must say I am appalled at those people signing up to the petition against Megaday. I actually live very close to Bedwas RFC and even though I am one of those people that lap up the whole atmosphere of the event, I never forget the whole reason why Megaday started. These residents who have complained should think twice about why the whole Megaday events exists. I mean everyone of my circle of friends or family knows someone who is suffering from some form of cancer or, unfortunately, have died as a result of developing cancer.

Also, I have many friends that travel to the Caerphilly area especially for the Megaday event. Surely local businesses and our local authority can see it is not just because of the Castle and the Shopping Centre that attracts tourists. People miles away support the event. Whereas it started out as a small group of local folk crammed into Caerphilly RFC, it has now turned into one of Caerphilly's most popular events. I don't suppose the local residents that live near the Castle complain about the Big Cheese. No, indeed. Caerphilly local businesses and, again, the Council are keen to promote and support that event.

I arrest my case.

Long live Megaday and the reason it exists.

Lianne Thomas

Just a few words of support in favour of the forthcoming megaday event at Bedwas RFC. It would be a great shame to see this friendly and family event, which raises such a substantial amount of money for good causes cancelled over what is a relatively minor issue. I understand the concerns of the local residents of the issue of noise, but what must be considered is this is a one-off event which is proposed to end at 10pm, so there will be no disturbances deep into the night.

Although personally a Cardiff boy, I know the anticipation for this event has been high throughout the valley and is a great opportunity for youngsters to meet in a friendly environment. The valley area's negative problems (e.g. drug abuse) are forever being targeted by the media, this is a chance to show its positive and friendly side and it would be a shame to have it dismissed.

Lastly, the organisation which is involved in an event like this is massive and it would be a great shame if all their efforts went to waste, especially considering the invaluable donation to Velindre the event raises (unlike other events which have been organised purely for individual gain).

yours sincerely

Dave Wake

Megaday is an event that helps many people with a disease which takes lives no matter how old they are or who they are. Velindre Hospital Nurses and staff work extremely hard to help people with this killing disease CANCER. Without megaday Velindre hospital would loose out on the money that is raised by this event, which goes to a more than worthy cause. It is an event that is supported by the people of Caerphilly, and neighboring villages as well as local pop stars. It is one weekend in a year which provides people with a more than enjoyable time and at the same time helps the people and staff who have to deal with cancer every day.

This event has been successful for many years and has a reputation of being a fabulous weekend which is trouble free. I have one thing to say to the residents who object to this event and that is for them to go and visit Velindre Hospital go and see the amazing work that they do and then you will see the true meaning behind this event and why the organisers go to so much trouble every year to raise money for people suffering from Cancer and the people who work very hard to help these people.

It would be devastating if this event was stopped when the organisers are more than willing to meet up with the residents to come to some sort of solution. There will be a great deal of people disappointed if this event does not take place.

Caren Hobrough

When I read about the petition I and my family were completely disgusted. It's a massive shame and a let down by the people of Badgers Wood .They should be totally ashamed of themselves trying to cancel an event that supports such a worthy cause and is a great day out as well. All they have to put up with is 2 days out of their whole lives, I'm sure that the most highly strung person can put up with that!. I feel that the petition is SICK and that the people are very small minded and sad. I know this will probably not get read out but I just wanted to make my point!. Cheers.

Jordan

Megaday is one of the biggest Charity events held in Caerphilly and it is for a great cause, I can't believe anyone would want to try and stop such a worth while day, I have been to every Megaday and have never seen any violence and even a hint of trouble, as for the noise I'm sure it's not too loud and it doesn't go on well into the night, this day is enjoyed by 1000`s of people and the pluses for the event by far out weight the minus's, I can't see why any people would want a charity to suffer any losses from what must be one of Velindre biggest earners !!

Geoff

I think that Megaday should go ahead as the main reason of the event is purely for a good cause.

I can't recall what so ever hearing or seeing any trouble at all at Megaday.

James Hughes

The thought of anyone objecting to Megaday taking place seems quite bizarre! A couple of days of great entertainment, and financial support being given to a great cause. Surely no one in their right mind would object to this, I feel quite sickened that some local residents would feel strongly enough to petition against this, thank god they didn't live on Nantgarw Road or we would have had the same palaver over the big cheese! Lets hope they see sense and withdraw the petition, it maybe someone close to them one day benefiting from the Megaday money given to Velindre! Full support to you,

Mark Phillips

Sorry to hear about the problems with Megaday.

You have our full support in any capacity that you feel will help.

Having been to many of the previous events and know that they are not 'rowdy' and are always good natured owing to the good cause and the amount of help given to Velindre Hospital.

I can only assume that none of the residents holding the complaint have lost friends or family to Cancer and have had to watch them slowing dying. It is an unfortunate statistic that at some time in the future these people will be affected by someone dying of this terrible disease, and I am sure will look back with regret about the complaints made to Megaday and the service this charity continues to provide as it is the single biggest contributor of donations to Velindre Hospital.

I am sure that if any complaining residents were to visit Velindre and meet some of their residents, they would change their opinion about being slightly inconvenienced for one day in comparison to the number of days these people have left to live.

Richard Hayward and Tracy Morgan

In Memory Of

Paul Graham

Pat Jones

Albert Innes

Brenda Edwards

Frieda Lewis

What on earth is going on? Megaday is a charity event that must be allowed to continue in it's present form. I, like many friends in Caerphilly have supported each and every Megaday so far.

Apart from the fact that the event is held for charity, action has been taken to consider everyone. The event has it's own security, not that it is needed. It is held on a holiday weekend, to disturb people as little as possible. The event closes at 10.30pm, not late by anyone's standards. Megaday must be given a license.

Come on Caerphilly County Borough Council, don't let the minority ruin it for the majority!

Firstly, respect for having an event like this. It is a wicked way to raise money coz people can come along and have a laugh - better than those Oxfam adverts on TV where you just give 'em your credit card number. Cancer is a big killer - I've lost 3 grandparents to it, one of whom passed away this weekend just gone. I know there is no real cure for it but peoples donations can help with the research and also provide better care for the people who are unfortunate enough to have cancer. So people are bothered coz it will cause a bit of disruption? I can't see how it could cause that much chaos to be honest, and anyone who stands in the way of a charity trying to help people with cancer needs to get their lives sorted out. Hope that the local authorities see some sense and let you have your event. Later.

Regards,

Mike Delusion

I think this is a worthwhile cause and the residents opposing should think
of the proceeds that are being raised for a very good charity. This event
needs to go ahead to raise much needed money for Velindre Hospital.

I offer my full support to this event.

N Smith

It would appear that those objecting to the Megaday event are energized and motivated enough to try to save the people in their community from a weekend of 'suffering'.

It's a shame that these same people don't look to ease the real suffering pervading through their community. Their brand of energy and commitment would bring some true value.

Simon Ford

LET MEGA DAY GO AHEAD! How can these people be so selfish and small minded? It's not just any excuse to have a party (as I am sure the residents would like to believe) it has been around for years, in memory of (who I am sure was) a great man, who suffered, like many people HAVE and WILL of Cancer. So please allow this event to continue to bring help to all those who need it!

Pippa.

I cant believe how inconsiderate people can be for the sake of the weekend for god's sake, these people r obviously people that have never been faced with the situation of such a destructive illness in they're family, if only they new what hope you give to Velindre with the money that you raise and the hard work that so many people put into this.
If only they knew even up until Paul's last few days how Paul still put his heart and soul into putting the finishing touches to last years megaday they would understand why this day is so special because Caerphilly lost two young men that had so much to offer, yet they so inconsiderably protest to this day. Not only do they stop a fun packed day but they also stop a legendary day continuing for what had to come from such bad experiences. I only live just past the ground in Park Avenue and I cant see why there is such a fuss, surely if the Big Cheese could get permission then surely and event that is for such a good cause can get permission ,
all the best for the future meetings,,,,,,,

Tina

If the local residents were to just take some time out and read the History of "Megaday" they must have hearts of stone not to be touched by the loss of these very young lives. (Just imagine if it had been YOUR son). Not the first to lose their lives so young and I'm sure and definitely not the last! That is why events like this must be allowed to take place to raise the much needed funds for hospitals like Velindre and for research into Cancer.

I just hope and pray that these residents will never know what it is like to need these facilities.

So come on folks, look into your heart, all of these fund raisers are giving up their time selflessly and putting a tremendous amount of effort into helping others - so just help them too!!!!!!!!!!

Beverly Thomas

I think the idea of not letting Megaday go ahead is ludicrous. As the site points out, this event is for a good cause and people should remember that! Maybe it would be a good idea for the residents to come along and join in with the fun and really get to know what Megaday is about.

LET MEGADAY GO AHEAD!

Angharad Jones

Although my Band can't play this year due to the time slot given. Andrew was in his first ever band with myself and others playing guitar and singing. Andrew was too young to die along with many others! Velindre Hospital needs all the help they can get to prevent more deaths by cancer and if it means 2 days of disturbance a yr then I hope that they never need the help of Velindre!

Regards

Dai, Jo & Tomas

We MUST let Megaday go ahead.

It's not just a "good laugh" with friends and family - there is a point to it. To raise more money for Velindre Hospital!!

There is so much history there it would be awful not let it go ahead.

Sian

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would be opposed to such a fund raising event taking place. Yes I am in one of the bands performing but, this has only been the case over the last two years. Megaday isn't just about going to Bedwas to see some bands or other acts, it is about the local community pulling together to celebrate the life of one of its truly stand out individuals in Andrew. It is also about the community pulling together to help raise some money for one of only 7 specialist cancer units in Great Britain. We tend to take Velindre for granted because it is on our doorstep. But people from miles around travel there to get the treatment they need. Should we deny that hospital the funds that Megaday raises just because it causes "Inconvenience" for a day? If so then I think the world is a sadder place than I once thought.

My girlfriend's mother has beaten cancer twice thanks to Velindre. She has now devoted her life to helping them. She even has a job in their fundraising department. She has been made a MBE for her efforts. I think we can all take a little something from her efforts.

Lewis Fall

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of each individual author and not the necessarily the official view of Megaday. If any author wishes to withdraw any statement at any time please mail us and we shall do so immediately.

	Megaday 2002 Noise Objections	E-mail: mail@megaday.net 2004 - The 10th Anniversary All Profits to Velindre Hospital Wales
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