A MONMOUTH man is taking a stand against cancer after many run-ins with the vicious disease.

Dave Oliver has begun fundraising for Velindre Hospital in Cardiff and will be running numerous events over the course of the year.

A familiar face to many, Dave has run the bar at Bridges Centre for more than a decade, and will continue to support the venue with the bar takings at his events.

Aided by helpers Sasha Williams and Emily White, Dave’s events begin on 7th July with a Rock and Roll for Cancer night featuring the band Coda, the Sunshine Disco and a raffle.

Tickets for the event at Bridges are £8 and are available now from the centre.

Dave has fought many battles with cancer, not only suffering from bowel cancer himself 13 years ago, but his wife was also diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago.

He said: “My mother died from cancer when I was 18, I lost my brother at the age of 53 and my best friend at 54, as well as other friends.

“But I was shocked recently by seeing a friend who had not long been diagnosed. I didn’t recognise her any more; that was the final straw.

“Lately there seem to be a lot more people being diagnosed than there used to be, and we need to raise money where it matters. The drugs are so expensive for cancer treatment; just one person’s chemotherapy course costs £10,000.

“I was one of the lucky ones, and if it comes back it comes back, but for now I just want to help other people.”

Dave is appealing to anyone who has further ideas of how to help him fundraise as much money as possible for Velindre, to call him on 07891636238. You can also call him to buy a ticket for July’s Rock and Roll night.

To sponsor Dave’s mission, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/CoDA7