Former WRU Executive Craig Maxwell Denied Life-Extending Cancer Treatment

Cancer Treatment Denied For a WRU Exec.

Despite raising over £1.6 million for charity, Craig Maxwell’s plea for a vital cancer drug is rejected as he continues his battle with terminal lung cancer.

Craig Maxwell, the former Commercial Director of the Welsh Rugby Union, has been dealt a crushing blow in his ongoing fight against incurable lung cancer. Diagnosed in September 2022 with an inoperable form of the disease, Maxwell has not only faced immense personal challenges but has also dedicated himself to an extraordinary charitable mission — raising over £1.6 million to support cancer-related causes.

As part of his treatment, Maxwell has undergone rounds of chemotherapy in combination with a targeted therapy known as amivantamab. Although the drug is not currently approved for use in the UK, it has shown promise in clinical settings for patients with certain genetic markers. Maxwell believes that continued access to this treatment could give him an additional six months of life — precious time he hopes to spend with his wife and children.

However, in the midst of his latest wave of fundraising efforts, the former rugby executive was devastated to learn that his request for ongoing access to the drug has been denied. The decision has sparked a wave of public concern and debate over the availability of emerging cancer treatments in the UK, especially for those who have shown positive responses.

Speaking out, Maxwell described the potential extra months as “invaluable” — not just for himself, but for the time it would give his family. His story highlights the emotional and bureaucratic struggles faced by patients fighting terminal illness, even as they work tirelessly to support others through advocacy and fundraising.

Maxwell’s courage, determination, and tireless commitment to making a difference continue to inspire many. Yet his situation underscores a deeper question: should life-extending treatments be more readily accessible to those already enduring so much?

🔄 How Craig Can Challenge the Decision (and How You Can Help)

1. Health Appeal Pathways

Submit an NHS Individual Funding Request (IFR): Craig’s oncology team can formally petition NHS Wales, presenting clinical evidence—including his positive response to amivantamab—to argue that his case qualifies as “exceptional.”
Involve Specialist Patient Groups: Organisations like Cancer Research UK, Lung Cancer Nursing UK, or Macmillan Cancer Support could offer advocacy, clinical guidance, or media leverage to boost his request.
Engage Politicians: Supporters can encourage Craig to reach out to his local MP, Senedd Member, or relevant NHS commissioners. Public letters or petitions can escalate the case into parliamentary debate.

2. Public Support & Viral Action

Share Craig’s Fundraising Page: The Maxwell Family Genomics Fund, part of Velindre Cancer Centre, has already raised nearly £1.6 million with tangible impact—funding QuicDNA trials and faster diagnostics in Wales.
Use Social Media Power: Amplify his story with hashtags like #StandWithCraig and #Maxwell4Hope. Tag high-profile individuals, health journalists, and media outlets to drive attention.
Sign or Create a Petition: A public petition to NHS Wales demanding a review of his funding refusal could gain traction and political attention, especially if shared widely.
Write to Media and MPs: Encourage readers to write letters or emails demanding clarity on why proven life‑extending treatments are currently inaccessible to someone who’s already paid privately for access.

3. Connect & Donate

Visit the Fundraising Hub: All updates, donation links, and news are shared on the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund page hosted by Velindre Cancer Centre.
Follow on Social Platforms: Craig’s journey is featured across social media alongside the fund. You can engage via #Maxwell4Hope on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
Set Up or Share a JustGiving Campaign: Many supporters create fundraiser pages in Craig’s name (e.g., the “Walking with Craig” campaign via JustGiving) to channel more support.

✔️ Summary Table

🧩 Action for Craig	📣 What Supporters Can Do
File an IFR (NHS Wales) with clinical evidence	Share/reshare his fundraising pages on all platforms
Partner with cancer advocacy groups	Sign or start petitions demanding policy transparency
Reach out to MPs to raise the issue in Parliament	Email/write to politicians and press urging urgency
Document treatment responses via amivantamab	Use hashtags like #StandWithCraig to boost visibility

Contact & Follow Craig’s Campaign:

Maxwell Family Genomics Fund (Velindre Cancer Centre): Velindre Campaign Hub – donations and updates
JustGiving campaigns: Search “Walking with Craig” on JustGiving
Email contact (via fund): info@velindrefundraising.com – this inbox is listed for general inquiries and support (the email is not verified).

With coordinated action—from medical appeal to public mobilization—Craig’s story can both challenge the funding decision and highlight broader issues in accessing promising treatments.

Resources:

Fundraising & Inspiration:

#Maxwell4Hope #FundraisingHero #InspirationInAdversity #CharityChampion #FightingForTime

Community & UK-based Tags:

#WRUFamily #WalesSupport #UKHealthcare #WelshRugby #TogetherForCraig #CraigMaxwell
#CancerAwareness #LungCancerJourney #RightToTreatment #LifeMatters #SupportNotSilence
#Maxwell4Hope #FundraisingHero #UKHealthcareCrisis #TimeIsPrecious #InspirationInAdversity
#NHSDecisions #StandWithCraig #HopeOverFear #TogetherForCraig

Andrew Jones

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Andrew Jones is a seasoned journalist renowned for his expertise in current affairs, politics, economics and health reporting. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the field, providing insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary on some of the most pressing issues of our time.