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Two members of staff at Principality Building Society will brave the Wales rugby clash challenge on Saturday 5 June to kick a penalty at the Millennium Stadium in an effort to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Before what is expected to be the biggest ever test crowd in attendance, James Madden and Gareth Evans will take to the pitch at half time during the Principality Building Society Summer Test. Their challenge – to kick the ball over the post from 7.5, 15 and 22 metres out, under the watchful eye of former Wales captain Scott Quinnell.
But there is a lot more riding on this challenge than just pride. For every score they make, Wales’ largest building society has promised to donate £150 to its charity of the year, Macmillan Cancer Support – so there is the potential for £900 to be raised.
Over the last few weeks, staff at the building society have been voting for who they think is most capable of taking on the challenge – James and Gareth were thought to have both the skill and determination needed to succeed.
James Madden, who is Senior Test Analyst at Principality’s Headquarters in Cardiff, has played for several rugby clubs over the years, both union and league, as a scrum half. Although he has never missed a conversion or penalty in his life, he handed in his boots a couple of years ago.
32 year old James, said: “ The news that I am actually going to step out onto the Millennium Stadium pitch has sunk in and my pre-match nerves have turned up a couple of notches. But, I’ve been lucky enough to have a piece of advice from Neil Jenkins and I am determined to block out the noise and kick that ball as hard and straight as I possibly can.
“Over my four years at Principality I have been involved in a number of charitable events, but even after cycling Wales and climbing Snowdon this will be my most daunting challenge yet. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to help an extremely worthwhile cause and I will do my very best for Macmillan Cancer Support.”
West Wales boy, Gareth Evans, who has worked for 6 years at Principality, has been a rugby fan all of his life. Having played for Llanelli youth and Trimsaran, as hooker, prop, flanker, scrum half, outside half and centre, he is confident that he will make his team proud.
Born in Trimsaran, the same village as rugby legend, Jonathan Davies and other Welsh internationals, Nigel Davies and Garran Evans, Gareth said: “Stepping out onto the Millennium Stadium is both my destiny and my dream come true. Am I nervous? Yes, No, I don’t really know!
“I have been practicing this week but the closest I have come to a crowd is a man walking his dog! Macmillan Cancer Support is such a worthwhile cause, as everyone at some point in their lives knows someone who has suffered from cancer. The services that Macmillan provide are invaluable. I hope to make everyone proud - ‘WEST IS BEST’”.
Both boys will be joined by Principality’s children’s mascot, Dylan the Dragon, who will be cheering them on from the sidelines.