**Welsh Rugby Hero Undertakes Extraordinary Challenge Amid Terminal Cancer Battle**
A Welsh rugby stalwart has completed a remarkable journey to the heart of Cardiff, rowing from Tenby while undergoing intensive cancer treatment, as part of a campaign to improve cancer diagnosis in Wales.
Craig Maxwell, a leading figure in the Welsh rugby community and an executive formerly with the Welsh Rugby Union and Six Nations, was diagnosed at just 40 years old with an aggressive and rare hereditary form of lung cancer. The diagnosis revealed that the illness was at stage 4 and had already spread to his bones, marking a devastating chapter for Craig, his wife Tracey, and their two young children, Isla and Zach.
Despite facing these overwhelming odds, Craig has channelled his focus into fundraising, determined to drive transformative changes in Wales’ cancer pathways. Rather than letting the diagnosis define their remaining time together, the Maxwell family made the courageous decision to champion efforts that could change the story for future patients.
Craig’s latest fundraising feat began on Monday, 19 May, when he set off from Pembroke Dock Harlequins rugby club, the place where his rugby dreams first took root. The journey started with a cycle ride to Tenby, followed by a daunting row across open water, ultimately arriving in Cardiff in time for the Investec Champions Cup Final at Principality Stadium. His arrival on Saturday was marked by the symbolic presentation of the match ball for the European rugby showpiece.
The Principality Stadium, sitting adjacent to the location of the very first Champions Cup final thirty years ago, served as a fitting endpoint. Not only is the stadium the heart of Welsh rugby, but it also holds personal significance for Craig—he spent over 15 years of his career working there, and it is the place where he met his wife, Tracey.
Craig’s journey across five days saw him row an average of more than 17 nautical miles a day, all while continuing a gruelling course of chemotherapy on a three-week cycle. The challenge, described by friends and supporters as formidable, was fuelled by his charity campaign to support QuicDNA Max – a project focused on rolling out advanced liquid biopsy technology capable of diagnosing cancer earlier in more patients across Wales.
The determined effort did not go unnoticed, as former Wales international Rhys Williams pledged to row by Craig’s side every day, ready to step in to ensure the challenge’s completion. They were joined at points by other high-profile supporters, including ex-international Lee Byrne, television presenter Gethin Jones, and Love Island’s Liam Reardon, highlighting the deep well of support from across the nation.
As Craig reached the river pontoon in Bute Park, his wife and children were there to welcome him, an emotional moment that was echoed by the support of the wider community who have backed the Maxwell’s fundraising efforts. Last year, the family raised £400,000 towards QuicDNA, an amount that has since grown to a total of £1.6 million, with a new ambition to reach an additional £250,000 to extend the technology to other forms of cancer.
Professor Tom Crosby, a senior figure at Velindre Cancer Centre, paid tribute to Craig’s inspirational efforts, commenting, “Craig Maxwell is exceptional. Despite his personal battle, he continues to dedicate his time to raising lifesaving funds, ensuring we can deliver the care and research our patients need. His contribution to cancer research and diagnosis in Wales cannot be overstated.”
Craig’s legacy builds on his previous Wales Coastal Path challenge in 2024, which galvanised support from people across the country. Through these extraordinary endeavours, he has not only raised crucial awareness but is directly enabling advances in early diagnosis, potentially improving survival rates for countless patients in Wales and beyond.
Members of the public are encouraged to support Craig’s work or learn more about his remarkable journey by visiting his fundraising page. His story stands as a shining example of resilience and generosity, offering hope and change amid profound adversity.