Ed was born and brought up in Marcross in the Vale of Glamorgan. College and an upbringing within the farming community led Ed into various agricultural jobs and travelling in Australia but it was in the summer of 2001 where he found his true calling and joined the Royal Navy, successfully training as a Royal Navy diver. It was during this time that Ed started suffering severe headaches and soon after was diagnosed with a brain tumour, his dream of continuing in the Navy was over and Ed was discharged in October 2003.

Although the tumour was inoperable, Ed underwent two brain operations, radiotherapy and two courses of chemotherapy both at University Hospital Wales and Velindre Hospital, Cardiff. Ed had regular scans to monitor his tumour and it was shortly after one of these scans that he began thinking about showing his appreciation for all the help and support that he had received.

In January 2006 Ed along with a few close friends and family arranged a charity Summer Ball. It was from this initial idea that the Ed Evans Foundation was born.

The main objective of the foundation is to organise activities and events that will help raise money for various charities. So far we have raised £35,000 for Cancer Research Wales. We are now beginning to raise money for Brain Tumour UK and other local charities. The highlight of these events in 2006 was the Charity Summer Ball held at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on July 1st.

The donations kept coming in for Cancer Research Wales and after a very successful concert by Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir at our local village hall in December 2006 we were well on our way to the next target.

Early in 2007 Ed had a phone call from Duncan Grey of Cresta Caterers who had read some of the articles in the newspaper and offered Ed the use of his marquee in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff at the end of April. The only condition being was that Ed had to sell 700 tickets. “No problem” Ed said and on April 27th we filled the marquee with a very successful dinner and dance, including charity auction, presenting Cancer Research Wales with £20,000.

In August 2007 the Ed Evans Foundation held a Picnic in the Playground at Wick and Marcross Primary School. Music was provided by Karen Elli, Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir and a brass band. It was Ed’s way of saying thank you to all the people who have continued to support his foundation.

Sadly on 6th October 2007 Ed lost his courageous 5 year battle and passed away peacefully in Velindre Hospital. He was 27 years old.

One of Ed’s last wishes was that we carried on the good work that he started and so the Ed Evans Foundation will continue to go from strength to strength.

The Ed Evans Foundation’s next charity ball is booked for April 18th 2008, once again in association with Cresta Caterers at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. There are also many other fundraising events already planned to take place throughout the year.

We hope that you enjoy reading the website and welcome you to contribute in any way you can. If you would like further information about the Foundation please contact us.

Thank You

The Ed Evans Foundation