A devoted family from Wrexham is preparing for a monumental challenge to support a vital local cause. In January, paediatric nurse Becky Landon and five relatives will attempt to summit Mount Toubkal in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, aiming to raise crucial funds for Tŷ Gobaith, North Wales' sole children's hospice.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
The family's motivation is deeply personal. Becky's close friend, Becky Robertson, has an eight-year-old daughter, Bethan, who lives with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of genetic epilepsy. Bethan has been attending Tŷ Gobaith for respite care since she was just 18 months old. Witnessing the support the hospice provides has inspired the Landon family to take on this 13,671-foot lung-busting trek.
"Tŷ Gobaith is a vital place for children and families," said Becky Landon, who works at Wrexham's Maelor Hospital. "With my job and friendship with Becky I have seen first hand the brilliant care they receive there. The support with Bethan being able to have respite, the counselling, the whole package really."
A Family Affair on the Slopes
The expedition, flying out on Friday, January 9, is a true family endeavour. Becky will be joined by her daughter Evie, her two brothers, and her nephew and his wife. It was Evie's idea to turn the challenge into a fundraiser after she had provided one-to-one care for Bethan last year.
Bethan's mother shared her gratitude: "Becky has been through thick and thin with us. She has been invaluable in Bethan’s care... She’s amazing, and I thought she was doing a hike in the UK, but then she told me they were going to Morocco, I was like ‘Wowzers!’"
The Lifeline of Hospice Care
For the Robertson family, Tŷ Gobaith is more than just a respite facility. "Bethan is treated like an absolute princess at Tŷ Gobaith and we feel very safe when she’s in their care," Bethan's mum explained. "They really advocate for us as a family and empower us so we can advocate for Bethan. A lot of the medical world is new to us and the staff will send letters and emails on our behalf."
Bethan Young, a fundraiser for the hospice, commented: "This is such an exciting and meaningful challenge. The family know first-hand the difference our support makes to Bethan, and that makes it even more special for them. We are right behind them every step of the way."
The public can sponsor the family's efforts via their JustGiving page. Furthermore, Hope House Tŷ Gobaith has announced its own organised trek to Mount Toubkal in May 2026, inviting others to take on the challenge for the hospice.
