Anglesey Grandparents Embark on Emotional Canal Walk for Vital Children's Hospice
In a heartfelt display of family solidarity and community support, grandparents from Anglesey are preparing to tackle a significant fundraising challenge for the hospice that provides essential care for their young granddaughter. Anwen Jones of Dulas and her partner, John, have committed to participating in the Llangollen Canal Walk, a ten-mile event organised by Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, which stands as North Wales' sole children's hospice.
A Walk of Love and Support for Granddaughter Alaw
On Sunday, March 22, the couple will join hundreds of other participants in a poignant journey from Llangollen to Chirk and back, traversing the globally renowned Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Their motivation stems from a deep personal connection: their cherished granddaughter, Alaw, who was born on Valentine's Day 2021 to parents Ffion and Barry. During pregnancy, Ffion developed an extremely rare condition known as HELLP syndrome, which tragically led to Alaw sustaining a catastrophic brain injury due to oxygen deprivation.
Anwen expressed profound gratitude for the hospice's role, stating, "The work Tŷ Gobaith do is a lifeline to Alaw's parents. Her respite stays there are the only time they get a break. They know their daughter will be safe and have all the nursing, love and medication she needs." The family, including Alaw's brother Caio, remains tightly knit, offering mutual support and care whenever necessary.
Training and Additional Fundraising Efforts
In preparation for the demanding walk, Anwen has been diligently training on a treadmill, citing the hilly terrain surrounding their home as a challenge. She admitted, "I've never walked 10 miles before, but we're looking forward to it." Beyond the canal walk, Anwen has organised a fundraising quiz night at the Trearddur Bay Hotel scheduled for March 18, further bolstering their efforts to support the hospice.
The Hospice's Impact and Community Appeal
Nikki Sullivan, a fundraiser at the hospice who has worked closely with Alaw's family, shared her admiration, saying, "Alaw is adorable and a big part of the Tŷ Gobaith family. We love having her here on her respite stays and seeing Ffion and Barry too." She emphasised the importance of the Canal Walk as a key fundraising event, adding, "Every penny raised will help us continue on our mission to reach every local child and family living with a life-threatening condition and help spread smiles and build precious memories."
This initiative highlights the critical role of community-driven support in sustaining vital healthcare services for vulnerable children and their families across North Wales.
