Inspirational Welsh rugby figure with terminal diagnosis honoured in the middle of toughest challenge yet
Inspirational Welsh rugby figure with terminal diagnosis honoured in the middle of toughest challenge yet
The former WRU commercial chief wasn't able to collect the award in person as he's currently rowing from Tenby to Cardiff
Craig Maxwell accepts his RUWC's Investec Special Award for his fundraising efforts
(Image: Whisper/RUWC )
Former Welsh Rugby Union and Six Nations commercial chief Craig Maxwell has once again been recognised for his incredible feats in the face of adversity – as he embarks on another huge challenge this week. In September 2022, Maxwell received the devastating and life-changing news he had been diagnosed with incurable and inoperable lung cancer.
At that stage, it would have been easy for Maxwell to feel sorry for himself. But the way he has responded to the worst possible update anyone could receive has been nothing short of inspiring.
Despite battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Maxwell has taken on a series of extraordinary fundraising challenges, to date raising more than £1.6million to support the cancer pathway in Wales.
Maxwell has completed the London Marathon, led a bike ride from Cardiff to Paris and last year, walked the 780-mile Wales Coastal Path in just 26 days before delivering the match ball ahead of Wales' 2024 Six Nations clash with France.
This week, Maxwell and his team are rowing 72 miles from Tenby to Cardiff ahead of the Investec Champions Cup final between Northampton and Bordeaux at Cardiff's Principality Stadium with the aim of raising more money for vital cancer research. His fundraising efforts really have been nothing short of epic and are designed to aid Welsh cancer charity Velindre's support of the QuicDNA Project.
At the annual Rugby Writers' Club lunch, held this week at The Oval cricket ground in south London, Maxwell's achievements were honoured as he was bestowed with the club's Investec Special Award for his incredible fundraising and strength of spirit.
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"I should be somewhere between Swansea and Porthcawl as we speak," said Craig via a video message. "It's a huge honour to receive this award.
"I thank you very much for recognising the work me and my family have done in raising vital funds for the cancer pathway in Wales."
The QuicDNA Project aims to shorten the time it takes to diagnose cancer through the use of blood tests or liquid biopsies instead of needle biopsies. If cancer can be detected earlier, a patient can be given treatment sooner and therefore have a greater chance of survival.
Maxwell had a long and successful career with the WRU, doubling Welsh rugby's revenues and working on successful deals which involved Under Armour coming on board as Wales' kit supplier and the stadium rights deal for what is now known as Principality Stadium.
He was a key figure in Welsh rugby's corridors of power during one of the WRU's most successful periods as Six Nations Grand Slams and titles on the field were matched by unprecedented commercial success off it. In 2020, Maxwell joined the Six Nations and has been central to the huge growth the organisation has seen in recent years.
In recognition of his efforts, Maxwell has also received an OBE and a Pride of Britain award. His latest gesture of appreciation from the rugby community and its media meant a lot to Maxwell. 'Since my diagnosis in September 2022, rugby has done so much for me," he said.
"There are so many people who have wrapped their arms around me and my family and given us all the support and care we need to get through what has been our most difficult times. I can't thank the game enough, but more importantly, I can't thank the people that are in it."
Maxwell was joined in receiving the Investec Special Award by another inspirational figure in former Leicester Tigers forward Matt Hampson, who in the 20 years since suffering a devastating spinal injury, has achieved remarkable things through the work of his foundation.
Maxwell spoke to WalesOnline last week about his epic rowing challenge, which you can read in full here.
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To donate towards Craig Maxwell's Coastal Row Challenge, you can visit https://the-maxwell-family-fund.justgiving-sites.com
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