Latest news with #CraigMaxwell
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Dying dad denied treatment that will give him more time with kids
Dying dad denied treatment that will give him more time with kids Former Welsh Rugby Union commercial director Craig Maxwell was first diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in September 2022 and has raised £1.6m for charity since Craig Maxwell with his children Zach and Isla after rowing 72 miles from Tenby to Cardiff (Image: Mark Lewis ) A terminally ill former Welsh Rugby Union commercial director has had his request for a potentially life-extending drug turned down in the midst of his latest fundraising efforts. Craig Maxwell, who was diagnosed with incurable and inoperable lung cancer back in September 2022, has been undergoing chemotherapy alongside using amivantamab - a drug not yet approved in the UK, but one that Maxwell says could give him an extra "invaluable" six months with his family. Having previously been turned down for funding, Maxwell had to pay for the first quarter of his treatment himself - recently telling WalesOnline it cost him nearly £22,000. The treatment is approved in the US and some parts of Europe but is not yet freely available in the UK - with it currently going through the NHS approval process. Prior to applying to a Individual Patient Funding Request panel, Maxwell said that the costs of continuing on the drug would be around £100,000. Since his diagnosis, Maxwell, who also previously worked for the Six Nations, has completed the London Marathon, cycled from Cardiff to Paris and, last year, he walked the entire 780-mile Wales Coastal Path in just 26 days, delivering the match ball ahead of Wales' Six Nations clash with France. In doing so, he has raised around £1.6m for charities and will not use any of that money for his own treatment. Article continues below Most recently, he rowed from Tenby to Cardiff ahead of the Champions Cup final at the Principality Stadium. It was during this latest challenge when he discovered his request for funding had not been successful, despite the fact that his latest results show that his cancer is "stable and has stopped growing". "They feel it's not making a considerable benefit to my quality of life versus the cost," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. "I've found that hard to accept, because in my position, six to nine months is invaluable. "There's no cost you can put on that, to have six or nine months with my family." Maxwell told the BBC that some private donors had offered help, but, as he faces having to continue paying for the drug himself, he is planning to go through the appeals process to overturn the decision. "The IPFR panel exists to support patients like me in Wales," he added. "I understand the drug is very expensive. "But it is the best thing for me at the moment and it was recommended to me by multiple professionals." He added that his his family are trying to enjoy their time together, as he recognises that "staying close is important". "There have been some amazing moments and experiences throughout this journey and I have to savour them," he said. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board told the BBC it had "worked extensively" with Maxwell to raise awareness of his condition. Article continues below "We are unable to comment further on individual patient cases," the health board added.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Dad diagnosed with incurable lung cancer denied life-extending drug
A terminally ill father has said he was forced to pay privately for a potentially life-extending drug which could have given him an extra "invaluable" six months with his Maxwell, 41, was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in July 2023 and has since raised £1.6m to support others with the drug, amivantamab - costing over £20,000 - is not yet approved in the UK, despite trial data suggesting users have a 50% better chance of halting the progression of the and Vale University Health Board said it "deeply sympathised" with Mr Maxwell, adding that "all requests" for funding are supported by the Individual Patient Funding Request (IPFR) panel. Mr Maxwell, from Penarth, is the former chief commercial officer for the Six Nations rugby tournament and Welsh Rugby Union's former head of he said he was "one of the lucky ones" to benefit from targeted therapy with minimal side effects, his cancer developed resistance, forcing him to undertake more toxic chemotherapy and the new drug is currently going through the NHS approval process in the UK, but Mr Maxwell said he could not wait "because my cancer is spreading".He applied to the IPFR panel for support in October, but was declined - he paid £20,000 himself for the first quarter of treatment."My results have come back and my cancer's stable and has stopped growing, which is fantastic news," he said. However, the panel recently rejected his application again. Mr Maxwell said: "They feel it's not making a considerable benefit to my quality of life versus the cost.""I've found that hard to accept, because in my position, six to nine months is invaluable."There's no cost you can put on that, to have six or nine months with my family."Mr Maxwell said some private donors had offered help, but he planned to go through the appeals process to overturn the decision."The IPFR panel exists to support patients like me in Wales," he added. Mr Maxwell has raised more than £1.6m to support the cancer pathway in Wales with his latest challenge, a 72-mile (115km) row from Tenby to Cardiff, taking place only a few weeks ago."We feel desperately strongly about supporting cancer pathway in Wales, regardless of what the funding decision is," he Maxwell said, despite the cost of the drug, he did not understand the reason for the panel's rejection."I understand the drug is very expensive," he said. "But is the best thing for me at the moment and it was recommended to me by multiple professionals." Mr Maxwell said he didnot think there is a crisis in cancer care for Welsh added that there "needs to be more" investment in the cancer pathway."It's made me realise how important fundraising is, not just for me, but for future patients."Mr Maxwell said his family are trying to enjoy and laugh together recognising that "staying close is important"."There have been some amazing moments and experiences throughout this journey and I have to savour them," he said. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said it had "worked extensively" with Mr Maxwell to raise awareness of his condition."We are unable to comment further on individual patient cases," the health board added.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Inspirational Welsh rugby figure with terminal cancer arrives in Cardiff after rowing from Tenby
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. 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. 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. " Article continues below 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 ) 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. 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. 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. 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. "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.' Article continues below 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.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
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. Article continues below "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. Article continues below To donate towards Craig Maxwell's Coastal Row Challenge, you can visit
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
I now have 11 tumours and this challenge will have to be me last. I just want more time
I now have 11 tumours and this challenge will have to be me last. I just want more time Former WRU commercial chief Craig Maxwell has raised a fortune for others since being told he was going to die, but he refuses to spend a penny of that cash on the drug that will give him more time. Now, a panel will decide within days whether to fund the treatment he can't get on the NHS Craig Maxwell and family deliver the match ball at the Wales v France match. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) In the days leading up to Cardiff hosting its first European final in over a decade, former Welsh Rugby Union commercial director Craig Maxwell will be in the midst of another epic fundraising challenge. Over five days, Maxwell and his team will row 72 miles from Tenby to Cardiff ahead of the Champions Cup final between Northampton and Bordeaux, looking to raise more money for vital cancer research. It's the latest in a series of remarkable challenges by Craig to raise money, having been diagnosed with incurable and inoperable lung cancer back in September 2022. Maxwell, who also worked as the chief commercial officer for the Six Nations, has thrown himself into fund-raising as he looks to leave a legacy that his wife, Tracey, and two children, Isla and Zack, can be proud of. Since his diagnosis, Maxwell has completed the London Marathon, cycled from Cardiff to Paris and, last year, he walked the entire 780-mile Wales Coastal Path in just 26 days, delivering the match ball ahead of Wales' Six Nations clash with France. In doing so, he has raised around £1.6m, while the latest challenge has already seen £71,000 donated in the first week alone - a number that, even now, he admits he struggles to get his head around. However, the scale of his latest challenge is something else. "It's the toughest by far," Maxwell told WalesOnline. "When I was diagnosed in 2022, I had three tumours. Article continues below "I've now got 11 tumours. What we do every time new tumours arrive, we change my drugs to stop them growing any further. I'm effectively in a race against time. "I'm on treatment to slow down the spread and give me as long as I can with my family. None of the treatments are trying to cure me, it's just trying to give me more time. "Since January, I've been having chemotherapy. I'm on two different types of chemotherapy and a new drug called Amivantamab, which I've had to buy as you can't get it through the NHS. "That's cost us nearly £22,000 to buy this drug. We've applied now for funding because we can't afford to continue paying for it and we've proven that it works. "But these three drugs together, the toxicity on them is really strong. After chemotherapy, I literally spend days in bed. I can't do anything. "I've got terrible skin rashes from the treatment. My skin has open sores on it, and in my hair, my mouth and my nose. I get a lot of fatigue. Trying to train to be rowing for six hours a day, for five days in a row, whilst going through chemotherapy has been really hard. "But it's also kept me going and got me out of bed during a really difficult time. Knowing I've got to do this has helped me and not allowed me to feel sorry for myself. That's why it's the hardest challenge, because physically I'm dealing with all the side effects as well." Former WRU commercial director Craig Maxwell will row 72 miles from Tenby to Cardiff to raise money for a cancer charity (Image: Craig Maxwell ) The diagnosis came as a shock to Maxwell nearly three years ago. Back when he was 40, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic form of lung cancer, which had also spread to his bones. It would have been easy to crumble in the face of such news, yet Maxwell, who previously held ambitions to one day be the WRU's CEO, has focused his energy on creating change. As profound a choice as that is, it isn't an easy path by any means when it comes to both Maxwell and his family coping with the situation. He admits that there's no "one size fits all" way of dealing with it. "I dealt by this by going out and doing challenges," he says. "That's not necessarily the right or only way to deal with it. "Each challenge has got harder for me. As my cancer has got worse, and I've gone from three tumours to 11, it's got harder. Daily life has got harder. "After this challenge, I'm probably going to have to stop the challenges and just focus on how we can do other bits of fundraising. This will have to be my last one as it's getting tougher. "It's hard. Your life changes completely. "Not just my direct family, but my friends as well. We have really hard weeks and really good weeks. You've just got to stay close together, support each other and do the best you can. It's really difficult. "When you're 40-years-old and being told you've got limited time with your young children, you truly realise what matters. Spending that time with your family and friends, telling them how much you love them, having those quality moments with your children. "I've got to try and fit in 20 years of parenting into probably 24 months. How can I fit in that much parenting in that short a space of time? The only way I can think of is by role-modelling, letting my kids not see me be defeated the best I can - which is difficult at times - and make the best use of the time I've got. "So when they're older and dealing with the tough things life throws at them, they know their dad didn't get beaten at his hardest time and they're made of the same stuff. Role-modelling that to them is the most important thing I can do at this stage. "That's been my drive behind these charity events and making sure that the next family don't have to go through these challenges. If we help that journey even in the slightest, then we've had huge success. They're the two drivers for me. I don't intend on going anywhere. "I'm going to fight this until the last minute. My dream is to get both of my children to 18. If I could do that, I'd be a medical miracle. But that's what I want to do. That's unlikely, but it's my ambition." The importance of family is also why Maxwell's rowing challenge will culminate with another family affected by cancer, who will take the Champions Cup match ball from Maxwell and deliver it to the Principality Stadium. The family, who currently have a family member receiving treatment at Velindre, have three young children roughly the same as Maxwell's. "It's the most important part for me," he added. "A year ago when I did the walk around Wales, Me, Tracey, Isla and Zach had that moment where we walked the ball out ahead of the France game. "It's a moment we'll never forget - especially the children. "I hope I can create something similar for the other family who are going through a similar challenge as well. That'll be an amazing experience for them during the difficult time they're going through." Craig Maxwell and his supporters previously walked and cycled 708 miles around Wales to raise money for Velindre (Image: UGC ) As the toughest challenge to date, next week promises to be an arduous one for Maxwell. However, there is another factor that makes next week so crucial. A new drug, which isn't available on the NHS, has reduced some of Maxwell's tumours, but, to date, he has had to fund it himself - with the Velindre nurses having undergone separate training for the drug. With the costs set to be around £100,000 to keep using the drug, he has applied to a Individual Patient Funding Request panel for funding. He's due to find out from the panel next week, towards the start of his rowing challenge. The hope is that, should he get approval, other patients in Wales will benefit in the future. "I am funding the drug myself at the moment," he explains. "We've applied to a panel for funding. "The drug is working. It's halved all the tumours in size. We've applied for funding. We find out on May 20, at the start of the row, if they'll fund it. If they don't, I've got to find £100,000 to stay on the drug. "In terms of my own treatment, it's a critical moment on whether I stay on this drug. I made a commitment to when this charity was set up that none of the funds go towards my personal treatment. I stand by that. We need help funding the drug, now we've proven it works." One thing is certain ahead of next week's challenge - the rugby community, as it has done previously, will rally once more around Maxwell. He admits he can't put into words how the sport that he worked in for so long has responded. An OBE and a special recognition award alongside Kevin Sinfield at the Sports Industry Awards will be things that his children will be able to look back on and "hopefully that will make them proud". But the support of the rugby community has been just as touching. "Anything I need, they've kept in touch," he adds. Article continues below "Former players have contacted me. EPCR, Six Nations, the RFU and the WRU have all supported me. It's been unbelievable. "It's huge. One of the ones that touched me the most is when Ken Owens retired, he did his retirement dinner and nominated our charity. He donated a huge sum to our charity. That was overwhelming that Ken and Carys chose to do that. It's amazing." To donate ahead of Craig Maxwell's Coastal Row Challenge, you can visit
