Inspirational Welsh rugby figure with terminal cancer arrives in Cardiff after rowing from Tenby

Wales Online

24-05-2025

Inspirational Welsh rugby figure with terminal cancer arrives in Cardiff after rowing from Tenby
Craig Maxwell cycled and rowed for six days while in the middle of his intense chemotherapy treatment
(Image: Mark Lewis )
At just 40 years old, Craig Maxwell received life-changing news - he was diagnosed with a rare genetic form of lung cancer, which had also spread to his bones. The WRU executive was told the cancer was at stage 4, meaning it had spread through his body.
It was devastating for Craig, his wife Tracey, and their two children, Isla and Zach. But rather than letting it define the time they have left together, Craig and Tracey made a profound choice: to focus their energy on creating change, raising vital funds to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways in Wales.
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His latest adventure to raise vital funds to help people like him kicked off on Monday, May 19, at Pembroke Dock Harlequins rugby club, where Craig's rugby journey began.
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From there, the team cycled to Tenby, before launching into the open waters, rowing toward Cardiff.
The challenge culminated at around midday Saturday, in the presentation of the match ball for the 30th Investec Champions Cup Final, which took place at the Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the Investec Champions Cup said: "This is a symbolic venue—both at the heart of Welsh rugby and next door to the venue that hosted the tournament's inaugural final three decades ago – it is a fitting destination to finish the epic challenge as the stadium where Craig worked for over 15 years and where he met his beloved wife, Tracey. "
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Different rowers joined Craig on his five-day challenge, which saw the former Welsh Rugby Union and Six Nations commercial chief rowing over 17 nautical miles each day to reach Cardiff in time for the Final - a match that saw Union Bordeaux-Bègles beat Northampton Saints.
Craig Maxwell delivers the match ball for the match between Begles-Bordeaux and Northampton at The Principality Stadium after rowing the 72 miles from Tenby To Cardiff
(Image: Mark Lewis )
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Due to Craig's ongoing three-week chemotherapy cycles, his ability to row six hours daily was described as "a formidable challenge."
To ensure the journey is completed, Rhys Williams, former Wales international, pledged to row every day alongside Craig, stepping in when needed to keep the challenge alive.
The Welsh rugby stars were also joined by a few more familiar faces, including former Wales star Lee Byrne, Love Island's Liam Reardon, The One Show's Gethin Jones.
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They arrived at Principality Stadium to hand the match ball to a current patient at Velindre Cancer Services who will took it into it to the stadium, just as Craig and his family did one year ago during the 2024 Six Nations.
Craig prepares to leave the boat
(Image: Mark Lewis )
This challenge is part of Craig's aim to raise an additional £250,000 for QuicDNA Max, supporting expansion into other various tumour types over the next three years.
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This funding builds upon the £1.6 million already raised by the Maxwell family, following their £400,000 contribution in 2023.
Thanks to their incredible efforts, QuicDNA's liquid biopsy technology is now affecting lives across Wales through early lung cancer detection.
With QuicDNA Max, Craig hopes to expand this possibly life-saving innovation to multiple cancer types, improving patient outcomes.
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Craig's wife Tracey son Zach and daughter Isla greet the team as they arrive at the River Taf pontoon in Bute Park
(Image: Mark Lewis )
Professor Tom Crosby at Velindre said: 'We meet so many 'hero's' when working in Velindre cancer services and fundraising; people who want to give something back after their own or their loved one's experience.
"Yet still some people stand out. Craig Maxwell is one of those people. Whilst dealing with the cancer, its treatment and uncertainty with regard its funding, he finds the motivation and energy to dedicate the time he has to undertaking these challenges, raising funds and making the lives of others better. And he is.
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"Funding blood tests to accelerate diagnosis of cancer and find the best treatment is beyond what we'd expect from anyone.
"He has made a huge difference to research and care of patients in Wales enabling us to give them the care that they need.'
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Craig's journey continues the legacy of his Wales Coastal Path Challenge in 2024, where he was met with overwhelming support from individuals across Wales.
To donate to Craig's cause, or to find out more about his journey, you can click here.