Family-run builders merchants J&A Phillips, located in Newport, is celebrating the efforts of business owner Michael Birch and his son Jonathan, who completed the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The father-and-son team took on the challenge to raise money for Velindre Cancer Charity, a cause close to their hearts, and have already raised more than £4,000 with support from customers, suppliers, friends, and the local community.
The fundraising effort is deeply personal for the Birch family. In January 2024, Michael’s wife and co-owner of J&A Phillips, Christine, was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had also spread to her liver. Following surgery and ongoing treatment, Christine has been receiving care and support from Velindre Cancer Centre, a service Michael describes as “second to none.”
“After returning from holiday, our lives changed in the blink of an eye,” said Michael Birch. “Christine has shown incredible strength throughout her treatment. The care she’s received at Velindre has been unbelievable and the staff are simply inspirational.
“Running the Cardiff Half with my son Jonathan felt like a way we could give something back to this amazing place and help others going through the same fight.”
As well as donations through their official fundraising page, customers and suppliers of J&A Phillips have provided raffle prizes and support to help boost fundraising efforts. This included Kronos Paintball Juniors holding a fundraiser through one of their Paintball events, a raffle prize from Cheshire Mouldings for a hospitality day at the British Superbikes and Spud Inc. donating money from sales on their first year of trading anniversary. The family says the generosity shown has been overwhelming and has played a huge role in reaching their target.
Michael added:
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from our community. To every single person who has donated, bought raffle tickets, or offered words of encouragement, thank you. It really does mean the world to us and it is never taken for granted.”
