Generosity of Welsh public knows no bounds
Selfless fundraisers should be celebrated... without them many of us would not be able to get additional or expensive treatment and support we may need
Some people go to extraordinary lengths to ensure a family member, friend or even a complete stranger is given the healthcare they need.
Whether it’s taking part in a fun run, jumping out of a plane or simply handing over a cheque, countless millions have been raised to help out those less fortunate.
Here are three examples of when the Welsh public have been at their generous, selfless best. will go directly to funding more inclusive sport for people that charity Leonard Cheshire Disability supports across Wales.
One of the cyclists, Ged Beaumont, a handyman from Llanhennock, said: “I’ll never forget the welcome we received at each service we visited, seeing residents welcoming us while cycling on static bikes and knowing I have had the opportunity to make a difference to some people’s lives.
“I found it a totally overwhelming and emotional experience and one I shall treasure forever.”
They held a series of fundraising dates, organised by former landlord Paul Kiley, which raised £1,800 for the neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, which had looked after little Noah.
Now a healthy toddler about to celebrate his second birthday, Noah and his dad returned to the unit to hand over the money.
Noah was born at full term and a healthy weight but soon after he was delivered James and his wife Lisa noticed he was turning blue.
After they alerted staff, consultant neonatologist Joanna Webb diagnosed the life-threatening condition persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) which meant Noah had dangerously high blood pressure in his lungs and his body was starved of oxygen.
James said: “If it wasn’t for the quick thinking and expertise of the staff, especially Jo, Noah wouldn’t be with us today. Noah’s condition was spotted straight away and that’s what saved him. “Noah was taken from us and we didn’t see him again for seven hours while they worked on him.” After making a good recovery Noah only needed to spend a week in the special care baby unit but the care he received left a lasting impression not only on James and Lisa, who live in Treboeth with Noah and his seven-year-old brother Mitchell, but also on their friends at the pub. “Lisa and I would like to thank the old landlord Paul, all the customers at the Wern and everyone else who supported the events and helped us reach that fantastic total,” he added.
Gred hair. Cabaret Jaune takes place on June 16 at Gassy Jacks, Cardiff.
“We decided as a fundraising team a while back that we would like to do something along these lines, and I ended up being the one to take it on,” said Lauren.
“A lot of the girls who have been in contact with me know Lorrainne Castellano, who is one of our day therapy patients, who is part of a burlesque group, so I’ve had quite a lot of support from them. “We have all local acts taking part during the evening.”
Lauren added that the idea for the head shave was a joke initially, when the team was thinking about fundraising ideas.
“Then I thought seriously about it. I know a friend a while back did it for and raised a fair bit of money.
“My hair is quite a considerable bit longer than hers was, so I thought why not do it. It’s only hair.”
Lauren hopes to gain £1,000 sponsorship from the headshave, with ticket sales, a raffle and sweet sale on the night also raising money.
Speaking about her training for the trek, she said: “I train weekly anyway, I usually run about 18 to 20 miles a week, so I haven’t done much more than that.
“Myself and Sam (Metcalfe, another Hospice Hiker) did Invincibl and are doing another one in July. It feels like it’s come around quite fast since we signed up in April last year.”
Tickets for the evening cost between £10 and £12 and are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk – search Hospice Hikers Present.
Alternatively, contact Lauren on 07813 552006.
If you would like to sponsor Lauren’s headshave, visit the website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lauren-James14