A GROUP of Welsh-speaking friends have collected up their pocket change over the last two years to raise £750 for Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru (PFPC).

Glan Phillips, Huw James, Roger Smith, Dai Davies, John Daniels, Roland Williams, Roger Barrett-Evans, Brian Harries, and Doiran Evans meet in Haverfordwest every week for “Coffi and Clonc” – or “Coffee and Chat” – sessions, where they converse in the medium of Welsh.

“We put the money down for the coffees, and whatever was left over would go in to the kitty, instead of back in to our pockets,” John explained. “Two of our members have had prostate cancer, and another had a prostate-related issue. We decided to give the money to a charity that could help others facing similar situations.”

As he presented the cheque to PFPC committee member June Rees MBE, Glan added:

"We hope the money will go towards ensuring that the work of the charity continues, both in raising awareness of the condition and of treatments in relation to prostate cancer.”

Mrs Rees said:"This is a wonderful example of a group of friends supporting a charity dedicated to fight against a disease that is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Welshmen, with one in eight of the male population affected by it and 550 men dying from it in the Principality each year.”

“Coffi and Clonc” takes place in the Haverfordwest branch of Costa every Thursday from 11am. New members of all Welsh-speaking abilities are always welcome to join the sociable sessions. “Anyone who wants to come along and give it a try should just pop in,” said John.

For more information on Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru, search Facebook or visit the national charity site www.prostatecymru.com