The first seeds of the Trust were originally sewn by Ray himself.

Ray and his fellow British Lions, Wales, and Llanelli team mates Phil Bennett and Derek Quinnell had decided to establish a ‘Three Lions Charitable Trust’ to help support important causes in West Wales. Following Ray’s death on October 31, 2007, the Ray Gravell And Friends Charitable Trust was officially set up with the specific aims of raising money for worthy causes and individuals throughout West Wales whilst the same time perpetuating the memory of a true legend.

Mari Gravell, Albert Francis MBE, Derek Quinnell, and Phil Bennett OBE, agreed to be Honorary Patrons and so The Ray Gravell and Friends Charitable Trust was born in November 2007 and in its first 12 months, the trustees and its organising committee established a core of supporters, its ‘patrons’ – to ensure the charity had a solid base from which to start its work. From small acorns a big oak tree has grown and by today The Trust is proud to boast a total of 60 Patrons

During the four years since its formation the Trust has raised a staggering £394,000 and is expected to sail past the £400,000 total before Christmas ! Numerous charities, organizations, and individuals throughout West Wales have benefitted from the memory of a true Scarlet legend

As  well as the annual fund-raising events such as golf days at Machynys, horse racing days at Ffos Las, the hugely successful Pretty in Pink lunches and dinners, and an Evening with Phil Bennett, monies have been raised by individuals and groups from marathon runs, cycle rides, mountain climbs, and last year the Welsh Rugby Players Association’s Grow A Grav sponsored grow a beard campaign.

This year, for the first time, a Christmas lunch and Carol Singing afternoon will be staged at Parc y Scarlets,  with Scarlets players young and old, present and former legends, in attendance.

One of the highlights of the year is the annual Pretty In Pink event at  The Stradey Park Hotel, organized by the ladies of the Trust’s organizing committee, and has raised £10,000 annually, in aid of the Breast Cancer Care unit at Llanelli’s Prince Phillip Hospital.

More than £300,000 has already been distributed by the Trust  to numerous charities, both local and national, and another round of donations to worthy causes will be made early in the New Year. Charities which have already benefitted include Diabetes Wales, Llanelli Breast Care Unit, The Paul Sartori Foundation in Pembrokeshire, Maggies Cancer Care unit in Swansea, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Llanelli Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Stroke Association, Help For Heroes, MacMillan Cancer Support,,and many more.

The Trust seeks to work with selected nominated charities each year, and in addition, it will support additional projects and good causes from organisations or individuals who apply to the Trust for funding.

These applications will be carefully considered by the Trustees throughout the course of the year. For full details of how to apply, go to the contact page or write to the Ray Gravell and Friends Charitable Trust (details below).