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St David's Hospice: Anglesey woman takes on challenge along the River Thames

Read the latest news from St David's Hospice in Llandudno

Zainab Noor

Zainab Noor, InYourArea Community

— 5 min read
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St David's Hospice: Anglesey woman takes on challenge along the River Thames

GETTING READY: Gwenllian at the start of the race

Submitted by Chelsea Chamberlain from St David's Hospice, Llandudno

Gwenllian Owen from Llangefni took on the Thames Path Ultra Challenge last year, walking 50km in a day for St David’s Hospice.

The Thames Path Ultra Challenge is a 100km walk along the famous River Thames. This popular challenge which is split into two days, sees participants walking 50km either from Putney Bridge to Runnymede, or from Runnymede to Henley-on-Thames.

Gwenllian is no stranger to a challenge, and had completed the first stint of the Thames Path Ultra Challenge in 2021, where she walked 50km from Putney Bridge to Runnymede. To complete the whole route, she decided this year to do the second half of the 100km. The new route meant that she had to get the miles in her feet early on to ensure she could complete the challenge! Making the most of the stunning landscape, she could regularly be seen pounding the pavement, walking numerous paths around Anglesey.

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When asked why she wanted to raise funds for the hospice, this is what Gwenllian said, “The reason for choosing St David’s Hospice was that my Auntie Carol had received great support six-years-ago whilst at the Hospice in Llandudno.

“As a family we were able to visit her, and the whole team made her as comfortable as they could during her final days.”

Gwenllian describes the challenge, “Setting off on the shuttle bus from Henley station at 5am was both exciting whilst filled with trepidation. It was a great atmosphere considering it was so early!

“When we arrived in Runnymede, I was quickly on my way, walking along The Thames Path, passing some historic places on my way, such as statues, palaces, stately homes, Eton and Windsor to name a few. The ever-changing scenes of the Thames itself was spectacular, the fields full of deer and amazing homes along the river were truly enchanting.

“For me, the most memorable part was approaching Henley-on-Thames after over 9 hours of walking and realising that I had nearly completed my challenge. All the Saturday’s walking solo around Anglesey had paid off – I felt strong, full of energy and my feet were comfortable with no blisters which I was amazed at!

FINISHING LINE: Gwenllian at the finishing line

“Seeing my husband Berwyn waiting for me at the end, ready to take photos and to welcome me back safely was the best feeling ever!”

Gwenllian has smashed her target of £300 by raising a fantastic £760 for St David’s Hospice. If you would like to support her fundraising efforts, you can donate here - St David's Hospice: Gwenllian - a Walkie Talkie (enthuse.com)

If you’re interested in taking on your own challenge this year, why not do so and support your local hospice? The fundraising team are always on hand to provide the best tips, advice, and assistance to help you achieve your fundraising goal, allowing you to focus on your challenge. Get in touch with Rhian Jacobs, St David’s Hospice Events and Campaigns Manager on Rhian.jacobs@stdavidshospice.org.uk or 01492 553159 to find out more.

St David's Hospice Lottery Weekly Draw

Draw date: January 13

First prize of £1000 073092  Llandudno

Second prize of £100 006374  Beaumaris

Plus 80 prizes £5 for full details click here.

To join the Lottery call 01492 877999.

Hospice staff take the plunge on Boxing Day

CHARITY DIP: Clair Doloriert, Ceri Cochran, Fran D'amora, Aled Roberts, Jane Jones and Andrew Cochran

A group of Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley Hospice staff braved the elements on Boxing Day when they decided to take a dip into the sea.

The cold water didn’t deter the brave members of staff and their family and friends from running into the Irish Sea on Treaddur Bay Beach. The ‘dippers’ were in wetsuits and sports gear, proudly showing off their Hospice Hero t-shirts, whilst some really brave individuals decided to go into the water wearing only bikini’s and swim shorts.

Jane Jones, St David’s Hospice Anglesey community fundraiser was one of those who took part in the dip. She said: “We experience first hand, on a daily basis the need for the respite, symptom control and end of life care that we provide in the St David’s Hospice unit at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley. This comes at a cost of over £400,000 this year alone, so a group of us decided that we would like to raise funds towards this cost and came up with the idea of a Boxing Day Dip.

“We hoped that this would raise funds for the Hospice, but also awareness for the services we provide not only on Anglesey, but also across Gwynedd and Conwy.

COLD DIP: Dippers in the Irish Sea

“Some of the team and myself started our day by going into the sea, whilst other loyal supporters joined us after their night shift had ended at the unit. We were all very excited to be taking part, and would like to thank everyone for coming to support us on the day and for your kind donations.”

Sara Cuffin, a St David’s Hospice supporter said, “It was an amazing experience and we absolutely loved it! We would love to get further involved in supporting the Hospice in future.”

The group have raised £979 so far and would love your help in reaching their £1000 total. If you  would like to make a donation, please visit St David's Hospice: Our Boxing Day Dip (enthuse.com).

This is just the start for our Anglesey fundraisers as they are busy planning their next adventure, which may take place on St David’s Day. The nursing staff feel that this will be significant as it will mark the second anniversary of opening the Anglesey Hospice.

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