A POWYS footballer who has battled and beaten cancer is hosting a charity match this weekend to say thanks for the incredible care he received.

Jason Coles said his January 2022 cancer diagnosis “ripped me and my family apart”, especially after an initial stage one melanoma was increased to stage three when doctors discovered the cancer had spread.

The father-of-two was finally given the all-clear earlier this summer, much to the relief of partner Kate and children Jared, 18, and 10-year-old Mia.

Now fully fit, the former Rhayader Town, Penybont United and current Llandrindod Wells footballer is taking to the pitch for a charity match this Sunday, September 3, to raise money for MacMillan.

The match will see a select 11 of local legends take on a mix of the current Llandrindod 1sts and reserve teams. Kick-off is at 12pm on Sunday at the Spamen’s Broadway ground, with a whole day of fun planned after the game too.

“In January 2022 I was diagnosed and after a second operation they discovered it had spread and therefore was diagnosed as stage 3 and would require another big operation and 12 months of therapy,” said the 40-year-old, whose all-clear in July has allowed him to return to playing, in what is his 25th season.

“This ripped me and my family apart but I was determined to keep fighting and did so for the last 16 months, until being given the all clear in July this year.”

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Speaking about this weekend’s charity fundraiser, the painter and decorator added: “The event was something I thought about all through my treatment and is a way for me to give back to the incredible staff at Macmillan.

“Before kick-off Karen Davies (Llandrindod chairman Geraint Davies’ wife) will be doing a brave the shave in the centre circle.

“There will be collection buckets on the day, followed by raffles, a quiz and other games in the clubhouse after and plenty of food and drink.

“For me it was a case of just raising what I could and then Karen messaged me saying she was going to shave her hair off as she also wanted to help raise some money, so we've done it jointly in support of what I've been through and a thank you to Macmillan for everything they do.”

County Times: Jason Coles in action for Penybont United against Llandrindod Jason Coles in action for Penybont United against Llandrindod (Image: Jason Coles)

Jason is excited for the game, admitting he has “roped in some belters” to play alongside him. And, despite being a current member of Llandrindod Reserves, he is desperate for his side to come out on top.

Jason’s select squad will wear green shirts to coincide with the colour of Macmillan, with the Llandrindod team to wear their traditional blue and white shirts.

Some of those who will represent Jason’s side include ex-Spamen stalwarts Kev Martin, Tom ‘Tucker’ Bethell, Danny Davies and Dan ‘Miffy’ Smith, as well as ex-Rhayader and current Builth Wells centre-back Gavin Samuel, prolific ex-Newbridge striker Lee Harley and Dave Sivell and Stu Kinrade, who were part of former great Rhayader Town sides.