A LLANTWIT MAJOR man has thanked friends who rallied round to help him thank Velindre Hospital with a successful fundraising campaign.
After a short illness, Phill ‘Tonka’ Thomas was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ampullary cancer at the beginning of 2025. There was no time to waste and he had a nine-hour operation to remove the tumour, followed by four months of intense chemotherapy.
Tonka Toys were known for being robust – unbreakable even – and he gained that nickname during a rugby career as a back row forward for Llantwit Major, Glamorgan Wanderers, Bridgend, Cardiff and Pontypridd. Phill also had two years playing for Wales Under-21s.
His wife Claire said: “That all that seems like another life now!
“It’s certainly been an emotional, physical and mentally challenging roller-coaster but in October, he received positive news and was given the all clear. He is not completely out of the woods yet and still faces minor complications but is hopefully on the road to recovery.”
Phill reflected: “Throughout my journey, I have seen first-hand the dedication, care, and brilliance of our NHS. The staff at Velindre Cancer Centre – known as ‘The Hospital of Hope’ – truly live up to that name. They are heroes in every sense of the word with their compassion and commitment, and that’s why I wanted to give something back for the treatment I received, as the charity relies on fundraising and donations.
“We came up with the idea of ‘Tonka’s Trek’ – a 10-mile walk in March along the Taff Trail from Velindre Cancer Centre to Pontypridd RFC (a club I played for in the 90s). When we reached Sardis Road, we held a raffle and auction with a live band and DJ.
“We couldn’t fault the whole day – the love, support, community spirit, the sunny weather, the Welsh win v Italy, and seeing the 300 trekkers in their Tonka’s Trek T-shirts (Llantwit Major RFC and Pontypridd RFC colours – black and white for Ponty and red and black for Llantwit). The Trekkers came from far and wide – Scotland, Ireland, France and even Australia.”
Phill’s initial target Phill was £10,000. When they passed that, his first thought was: “Let’s try and double it”. This too was exceeded. £30,000 came and went and now the fund stands at £37,367.52 … and is still rising!
Donations can be made at Phill’s Just Giving page here.
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