Thinking of supporting Macmillan? ‘Just go for it!’ says Akeem Griffiths

We’re really pleased that 2018 Big brother runner up Akeem Griffiths has got behind our Leap For Macmillan challenge, but we wanted to know a bit more about what experience touched Akeem’s life and drives his support for Macmillan in Wales.

What is your cancer experience, and how has this led you to support Macmillan in Wales?

Since a very young age I have always participated in several events for different charities, one of them being ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ and the reason for this is because I have always been brought up in a society that ‘the purpose of life is not just to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’

Macmillan Cancer Support started to become one of my main charities and the reason for this is because they helped a very good friend of mine during a very difficult time in his life when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Unfortunately, the outcome with this cancer resulted in him having both testicles removed.

During this difficult time, we’d talk on the phone every evening, and at one point he honestly thought his life had ended. I could feel his emotions powering through my mind, then Macmillan arrived.

If it wasn’t for this organisation in terms of helping James both physically and emotionally then James may not have been here today,

I cannot thank them enough for what they have done.

Finally, I have always wanted to become an ambassador for Macmillan, based on what they did for my close friend, and I feel that I am getting closer to achieving this goal.

Apart from the ‘Leap for Macmillan’ video (which is great!), are you doing anything else to fundraise for, and raise awareness of Macmillan in Wales?

I am currently discussing my schedule for 2020/2021 with my manager Lisa, and we can confirm that we have some big events coming up. One of the events being the ‘Great Wall of China Marathon’ in 2021 for Macmillan in Wales. Announcements will be on my social media channels over the next couple of weeks.

You’re a great friend of Macmillan in Wales, what would you say to other people thinking about giving their time and energy to support Macmillan?

I am proud of being a good friend of Macmillan in Wales.

My advice to other people thinking about giving their time and energy to support Macmillan is to ‘JUST GO FOR IT!!’.

If you think that a challenge might be unrealistic just remember ‘Life’s only limitations are those you set upon yourself, for as long as you strive hard enough anything is achievable’.

Finally, if you feel like giving up always remember the reason why you are doing this in the first place, it is to help this fantastic organisation support a loved one of your’s.

Could you do something special with your extra day on February the 29th and pledge to do just one thing for Macmillan ?

It could be setting yourself a challenge, giving a small donation or even giving your time. Let us know your pledge by using the hashtag #LeapForMacmillan. With your support, we can help people living with cancer in Wales live life as fully as they can

Find out more on our JustGiving page.

A big thanks to F9 Films for making Akeem’s video for us.