Courageous cancer survivor Soraya Kelly has gone global with the launch of the brand new website.
This exciting venture www. theglovesareon.co.uk,will sell a range of goods to boost funds for the Soraya Kelly Foundation – which will support a range of charities.
This next venture is the next step of the mum of four’s incredible journey.
Soraya started her campaign to raise awareness of early detection, and prompt treatment of, the often deadly disease after beating breast cancer earlier this year.
The forty eight year old only realised she had Grade 3 cancer due to her 11 year old implants pushing out a lump. Scarily, this would have been completely missed had she not had the cosmetic surgery some years earlier.
The brave Rhoose resident, who underwent a lumpectomy and weeks of gruelling daily radiotherapy, then launched the courageous campaign in a bid to highlight this issue calling out to others to come and stand alongside her in support.
After candidly sharing her story on social media, a whole host of celebrities, politicians, sports stars, companies, community groups, cancer survivors, and those who have been affected by the disease stepped up.
This includes global stars such as Gloria Hunniford, Thierry Henry, and Madness. Welsh celebrities Craig Bellamy, Joe Calzaghe and Joe Cordina. Sports teams Cardiff Blues, Barry Town Football Club, Cardiff City Football Club FiJi 7’s Rugby Team. Politician like Vale of Glamorgan Welsh Government AM Jane Hutt, UK Government MP Alun Cairns. Charities TY Hafan, Light Up for Leslie. Companies Virgin Travel Media, St David’s Hotel, Virgin Travel.
And scores of prominent local supporters such as Giovanni Malacrino who runs the successful Cardiff restaurants and well-respected fashion designer Nathan Palmer and Style of the City Magazine.
They have all supported Soraya by taking part in photo shoots, social media promotions and many other publicity opportunities – as well as donating memorabilia for a fundraising evening.
Many are also featured in the #theglovesareon campaign advert which was launched at the Charity Ball. The inclusive and diverse advert has been made by energetic University of South Wales (USW) students – with full support of the Caron Keating Foundation through the Hunniford family who are constantly in touch with Soraya.
Seventeen year-old Irish songwriter Eva Campbell has composed the powerful theme song. The film is also being promoted through a compelling rap song by young mental health advocate Francesca L Bourne. The rap has already been given airtime in Wales, UK, Australia, America, Hong Kong and Fiji.
The USW undergraduates, who are studying media production, have also produced a gritty documentary showing Soraya and her supporters journey from her initial idea right through to the success of the globally supported Campaign.
Soraya, who recently won a Regional Award for Citizenship, said: “The website launch is the next exciting step in what has been an incredible journey.
“My campaign approach has always been about inclusion of all. Cancer shows no prejudice and neither does #theglovesareon. I believe in a joined-up approach to raise awareness of early detection and treatment to achieve better outcomes for all.
She added: I have been absolutely blown away and deeply humbled by all the support given, it is amazing. I am also incredibly proud that the advert has been driven by energetic and enthusiastic young people who have embraced the campaign from the start. “Thank you to absolutely everyone who has supported me – it is very much appreciated.”
More soon on Soraya’s next Charity Fundraiser, her work with schools and her pride at her team’s nomination for a St David Award.
#theglovesareon is all about the courage to step back in the ring when life knocks you down, the strength to keep fighting through adversity, the swagger to celebrate the success you deserve, and the faith that you will make that crucial difference in our world.
Check out the trademarked #theglovesareon website here.
Follow on Facebook and also on Twitter
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As Chair of #TheGlovesAreOn Sue promotes the work of the Charity, who are passionate about making a difference for our children and young people through education. She is also both LGBTQ Lead, and Communications Advisor, for the collective.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.