Rhod Gilbert's wife confirms they've moved closer to hospital after his cancer diagnosis

Rhod Gilbert's wife has revealed the couple have moved closer to a hospital after the comedian was diagnosed with cancer.

Sian Harries announced the news on Twitter today (25 August), after Gilbert took to social media last month to tell the world he was undergoing treatment.

In a post on Facebook, Gilbert described himself as a 'proud patron of Vilendre Cancer Centre' and said it had played a 'huge part' in his life over the last 10 years, but admitted he 'never imagined that [he] would be a patient' there.

"I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands," he wrote at the time. "The NHS care I’m receiving is incredible. I wouldn't wish this on anyone...but who knows, maybe I'll come out the other end with a new stand-up show and a 40 minute rant about orange squash."

Gilbert and his wife have already moved house twice this summer, but Harries said on Twitter they moved 'for the third time since July' so Gilbert can be closer to hospital as he continues his treatment.

"Life is a lot at the moment but we’re getting through it with the help of our wonderful friends and family," she added.

Harries said the 'meds and equipment' that accompany Gilbert's treatment 'fill an entire car on their own at the moment', but she told one Twitter user she and Gilbert were 'so lucky' to be able to move so they didn't have to travel for hours to get treatment.

Moved house for the third time today since July so Rhod can be close to hospital. Life is a lot at the moment but we’re getting through it with the help of our wonderful friends and family ❤️❤️❤️

— Sian Harries (@sianharries_) August 24, 2022

Following Gilbert's announcement, plans were made for a one-off fundraising show for the Vilendre Cancer Centre, but this quickly transformed into a programme of charitable comedy events taking place across south Wales throughout October.

Ammanford-based comedian Gareth Morris said he was inspired to do his part and encourage the rest of Wales' comedy community to do the same, saying: "Mr Gilbert’s fundraising work over the years has been nothing less than inspiring.

“I looked to organise what would be a one-off comedy night to raise a couple of pounds for the Velindre Centre, but instead I was met with comedians wanting to support the cause.

"Within an hour, we had a team of fourteen people planning out a series of shows, all geared towards fundraising for the centre. It’s been incredible to be a part of it."

Andrew Morris, head of fundraising at Velindre, said Gilbert has been receiving 'thousands of messages, cards and gifts', adding: "Rhod has done so much for Velindre that it’s great to see others now supporting him and the centre.

"The number of comedians that have got involved in the Wales Stands Up events to show support to Rhod and Velindre at this challenging time really is fantastic, and we know Rhod will be touched as these events encompass two things he’s extremely passionate about - comedy and raising funds for Velindre."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week