After a cancer diagnosis interrupted his rugby career, Ethan Davies is now back on the pitch and making the most of every opportunity. He’s also using his platform to raise awareness of DKMS, a charity helping people find life-saving stem cell donors. In 2027, Ethan will run the London Marathon to raise funds for this incredible cause.

Here’s Ethan’s story.

Q: Ethan, welcome to Ystrad Rhondda! How has your time at the club been so far?

ED: It’s been great! The boys are a great group, and I’ve settled in quickly. Ystrad seems like a fantastic club, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead!

Q: How has life changed since your cancer diagnosis, and what did it mean to play rugby again?

ED: I enjoy rugby so much more now. It was my job for six years, and the pressure sometimes took the shine off it. Since being ill, I appreciate every minute on the pitch and feel grateful to play the game I love. It’s also made me appreciate life so much more. Getting back on the pitch motivated me throughout recovery. I’ve been emotional singing the Welsh national anthem, but I never thought I’d have a tear in my eye running out for Pontypool at Sardis Road!

Q: How much did rugby’s values and the support of others help you through recovery?

ED: My previous injuries helped me learn how to handle setbacks. I approached recovery in the same way: get through the treatment, then start rebuilding. But I couldn’t have done it without the people around me. The support from friends, teammates and even former teammates was overwhelming. I’ll always be grateful to my family for everything they did.

Q: What inspired you to run the London Marathon in 2027?

ED: I ran the Edinburgh Marathon with my brother just 160 days after my transplant, partly out of stubbornness and to prove the doctors wrong! We also raised money for DKMS. Watching friends run London this year made me question why I hadn’t done more to support this amazing charity. I know what it feels like to hear that a donor has been found. If I can help more people find a life-saving match, I want to do whatever I can.

Q: Why is DKMS so important to you, and how can people help?

ED: DKMS helps people with blood cancer and other blood disorders find matching stem cell donors. You can register for free at home with a simple cheek swab, but it costs DKMS £40 to process each new donor. Any money I raise will help register more potential donors. Even if you can’t donate money, signing up could help save someone’s life. Stem cell donation is also often much less daunting than people imagine.

Q: What would you say to someone facing cancer, and how can people support your fundraising?

ED: Talk to those around you and be open about how you feel. You’ve got a big enough physical battle without bottling up the mental struggle too. Please share my posts and donate if you can. Most importantly, help raise awareness and grow the donor register. There’s a link on my Instagram profile to sign up.

Collection boxes will also be available at Saturday’s game, so please come prepared to donate!

COTY! ?