CHILDREN of all ages across Powys shopping for a Mother’s Day card this year may just spot a familiar face staring back up at them from the shelves in Tesco.

Tesco’s Llandrindod Wells community champion Jayne Griffiths will feature on cards sold in Tesco across the nation to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Jayne and other Tesco colleagues across Britain who have battled cancer will feature on the cards to mark Mother’s Day – which is on Sunday, March 14.

Jayne has had her inspiring story and photograph included on a card designed by Hallmark which is on sale in all large Tesco stores throughout the UK – including its Llandrindod, Welshpool and Newtown stores. It is hoped the card and Jayne’s own story will connect with and support people affected by cancer, as well as raising funds.

Tesco is celebrating its 20th year in partnership with Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life – a series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Money raised through Race for Life events funds world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel, breast, prostate, lung, testicular, brain, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

“I consider myself lucky not to have had any close family suffer with cancer. However, I am aware of the many people who have been affected by cancer and the impact it has on them and their families,” said Jayne.

“We do a lot of fundraising in store for Tesco Turns Pink for Race for Life. In 2017, my store manager jokingly asked me to turn the local welsh towns pink, so I did.

“With the help of local businesses, we have turned Llandrindod, Builth Wells and Rhayader pink to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. We’ve now raised over £60,000 for the charity.”

Covid-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding. Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk.

That’s why the charity is calling on men, women and children to fight back against the devastating disease by entering a Race for Life event. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

Oonagh Turnbull, head of charity campaigns at Tesco, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues who have chosen to share their stories on these cards.

“We hope they will inspire others facing cancer and the money they raise will make a difference to so many lives.

“For the last 20 years, our partnership with CRUK has helped to raise millions of pounds for life-saving research and our stores continue to take part in events and work hard to ensure it goes from strength to strength.”

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokesperson, added: “By signing up to Race for Life, people can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. All 400 mass-participation Race for Life events across the UK were cancelled last year to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 pandemic. So this year, more than ever, we need people to come together and help beat the disease.

“Covid has slowed us down. But we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. Our Race for Life events are open to all and we’re sending a heart-felt message to everyone to come together in 2021.

“It may be that events look a little different this year but we are working pro-actively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a socially distanced but great experience.”

Participants will set off on the course either alone or in small socially distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will also be provided at all events with participants encouraged to use it before and after the event.

The Mother’s Day cards, which are priced at £1-£1.50, are on sale in a range of large stores from now until March 14.