A mother from Carmarthenshire is preparing to run the Wales Half Marathon as a heartfelt thank you to the NHS services that supported her through a challenging period.
A Personal Journey of Gratitude
Kate Davies, who works in operational workforce at Withybush Hospital and has a two-year-old daughter, will take on the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend Wales in Tenby on June 28. Her goal is to raise funds for Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.
Having enjoyed good health for most of her life, Kate rarely needed Hywel Dda University Health Board services until recent years. She shared her story: "The journey to becoming a parent wasn't straightforward, and I experienced several difficult and emotional setbacks along the way. Throughout this time, I was supported with great care, kindness and compassion by various services across the health board, for which I will always be grateful."
In December 2023, under the care of Glangwili consultants, Kate gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She expressed her gratitude: "I'm incredibly grateful and fortunate that I have a fantastic, healthy and happy two-year-old daughter."
Running for a Cause
To celebrate her daughter and give back, Kate signed up for the half marathon. She said: "I would love to raise money to give back to the health board that was there when I needed it. I can think of nothing better than reaching the finish line in good health, with my daughter waiting for me, knowing I have raised funds and given back to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated."
Charity Support
Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager, commented: "What a heartfelt story. A huge thanks to Kate for taking on the Wales Half Marathon to support a service so close to her heart. We look forward to cheering her on!"
She added: "The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments."
Donations can be made to Kate’s fundraiser at hyweldda.enthuse.com/pf/kate-davies. For more details about the charity and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales.
