St David's Hospice: 50 to 500 challenge – Cartrefi Conwy team raises £2,095 for local end of life care

L-R picture: Bill Hunt: Cartrefi Conwy Group board member, Kath Molloy: tenancy support officer, Linda Humphreys:communications and media partner Nick Thomas:accommodation officer

Written by Marie Lidgett

Nine colleagues of Cartrefi Conwy came together to take on the St David’s Hospice 50 to 500 challenge. In September the local charity appealed to businesses and organisations throughout Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey to take on the fundraising challenge.

The interested businesses were given £50, and were challenged to invest the £50 and make the biggest return possible aiming to raise £500 or more by the end of 2021.

The staff at Cartrefi saw this as a great opportunity to beat the winter blues, and stay active, setting themselves a sponsored distance event. Together they aimed to collectively cover a distance of 500 miles, through walking, running, cycling, swimming or skipping!

Cartrefi Conwy is a local housing association with nearly 4,000 properties. As a local organisation they are extremely proud to support their local adult hospice, St David’s. The team raised £2,095, four times the target amount.

Linda Humphreys, Cartrefi Conwy communications and media partner said: “It was great for the team as they had a motivation to get out during the short daylight months and they all said how much better they felt once they’d got out and done some miles.

“Some colleagues took part in the Cartrefi Conwy sponsored Fun Run at the Conwy Half Marathon and one of our colleagues was so motivated by taking part in the challenge that he’s applied to run the London Marathon and inspired two other colleagues to apply too.

“Part of the donation also came through our colleagues coming to the rescue of others facing their own challenge.

“At Cartrefi Conwy we know how valuable the hospice is to the community and to patients and their families cared for by St David’s Hospice.

“We hope that the money donated helps support that fantastic and much needed care.”

Conwy area fundraiser James thanked the staff for their great fundraising efforts: “Once again Carterfi Conwy staff rose to the challenge! Not only achieving 500 miles, but also raising a fantastic amount. Without the fundraising support from our local community such as Cartrefi, the Hospice would not be able to provide services free of charge to the people in need in Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey. On behalf of the Hospice, I thank you all.”

If you would like to get involved in a fundraising challenge, please contact St David’s Hospice Fundraising team on 01492 873664.

St David's Hospice Lottery Weekly Draw

Draw Date: Friday, March 11

First prize of £1000 092410 Craig y Don, second prize of £100 088555 Old Colwyn.

Plus 80 prizes of £5 for full details click here.

To join the Lottery call 01492 877999.

“St David’s will always hold a special place in my heart.”

For Dawn Winter from the county of Conwy, St David’s Hospice holds a very special place in her and her family’s heart. Having experienced the Hospice’s specialist care first hand this inspired Dawn to lace up her trainers and raise funds for the local charity.

The 33-years-old from Conwy County, who part owns a local Home From Home Dog Boarding company, has always enjoyed running and now she has set her sights on a 26.2mile distance.

On Sunday, April 3, she will take to the streets of Manchester for her first marathon. Described as one of the UK’s premier running events, it is famous for its fast, flat and friendly route from the city centre to Altrincham and back. It promises to be a lively event, with music and entertainment along the way.

Talking about the reasons behind running the challenging distance, Dawn said: “I have always enjoyed running but never thought I would be able to achieve a marathon distance. I wanted to do something that would push me out of my comfort zone and to raise money for St David’s Hospice.

“My aunt was always singing and dancing. She was a happy and positive woman.

“She was with the hospice for thirteen nights and the team were amazing. It’s unbelievable that this care is free to all and we were very lucky to that my aunty was able to go there.

“The majority of their income is through community fundraising, which is why I want to do my bit, this really can make what is such a painful time for any family a little easier knowing that their loved one is receiving the best possible care they can have.

“St David’s Hospice will always hold a special place in mine and my family’s hearts.”

If you would like to support and donate go to Dawn’s fundraising click here.

To find out more about St David’s work, visit their website here.

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