Women's touch rugby tournament to support those Touched by Cancer
A mum-of-two is hoping to return to the rugby pitch after tackling cancer.
Ruth Wearing was a member of Bryncoch RFC’s women’s touch rugby team when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year.
But her team-mates have continued to share the values which the game prides itself on, supporting her throughout her time on the side lines.
(Main picture above: Representatives from some of the teams taking part in the tournament)
Ruth said: “I had a pain in my stomach last July and then felt a lump, so I went to my doctor who referred me for an ultra-scan which discovered a cyst.
“Doctors suggested I had a hysterectomy which I had at the end of September and, following that, a biopsy confirmed I had ovarian cancer.”
Ruth began a course of chemotherapy, with treatments every three weeks.
Despite the challenges, she is hoping to return to playing touch rugby with the team, possibly even as soon as August, when the side is one of 16 from across the Swansea Bay region taking part in a women’s touch rugby tournament.
The Touched by Cancer competition at Aberavon RFC’s Talbot Athletic Ground will see scores of women pit themselves against each other in the first event of its kind organised by Swansea Bay Health Charity, the health board’s official charity.
It is in aid of the charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.
Ruth added: “I was reasonably fit and healthy before I was diagnosed. I’d go for walks and fitness classes.
“About a year earlier, I had started playing touch rugby, and I was going to training every week.
“So when I got the news it was a huge shock. You think with cancer, ‘it’s not going to happen to me’, but you just don’t know.
“When I was told I went into a different world. I was not aware of things like the cold cap for treatment to reduce hair loss for example.
“I’ve had some aches and pains and there have been other side effects, but if I have had problems the nurses and doctors and consultants have been there and able to reassure me.
(Ruth, left, with Bryncoch Broncette teammate Christy)
“Maggie’s charity and my work colleagues have also all been very supportive.
“Hand on heart it has been one of the hardest things I have done. But apart from my family and friends, I have also had support from the rugby team.
“I made new friends when I joined and they have been there for me, with cwtshes or dropping off cards. I’m still in the WhatsApp group and they send messages asking if I want to go for a cup of coffee if I’m feeling up for it. It has been a great support to know they are there. I suppose that’s what rugby’s all about.
“I’ve been back to watch them train recently and maybe when it gets a bit warmer I might be able to join in again. The touch rugby tournament is in August; there’s no guarantee I’ll be ready to play with them then, but who knows? I’ll certainly be going to watch and cheer them on.”
The South West Wales Cancer Centre, or SWWCC, is run by Swansea Bay University Health Board and provides a range of lifesaving NHS treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
It celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and Going the Extra Mile was launched by Swansea Bay Health Charity, to commemorate the landmark.
The appeal will support the thousands of patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda areas who are cared for there every year, as well as relatives and staff. Its £200,00 target aims to enhance care for patients, support their families, and provide extra resources for the dedicated staff at the cancer centre.
Touched by Cancer women’s touch rugby takes place on Saturday 9th August. It is run mainly by volunteers and will rely heavily on sponsorship to help make it one of the best charity rugby events in Wales.
Cathy Stevens, of Swansea Bay Health Charity, added: “We hope you can join us for the Touched by Cancer Tournament, which looks set to be an exciting competition of women's touch rugby featuring 16 local teams all competing for the trophy!
“We encourage everyone to come and cheer on the players. Entry is £5, with free admission for children. The first game kicks off at 10am.
“Please note that parking may be challenging, so car sharing is recommended. If you can't attend but still want to support, you can contribute through our fundraising page.”
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