Son thanks public for their generosity after losing mother
A SON who lost his mother to coronavirus has thanked the public for their generosity after he raised a massive £37,000 in her memory.
Gwyndaf Lewis, of Efailwen, near Crymych, ran 50km in a day last month, completing the challenge in five hours and 45 minutes, to raise money for intensive care staff at Glangwili Hospital, who cared for his mam Undeg, who sadly passed away in April, at the age of 59.
She was well known in the locality having worked in a shop and was clerk of the community council, as well as being secretary of the local paper Y Cardi Bach.
For his challenge Gwyndaf ran 32 times round nearby Feidr Sion and was cheered on by his dad Tudur, who cycled half the distance with him, and his brother Rhodri, who also did the 50km, part running and part cycling.
College worker Gwyndaf, aged 25, originally set himself a target of raising £500, but that was reached in just half an hour and the money has just kept rolling in ever since.
Now that the JustGiving page has been closed, Gwyndaf said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support, which shows the respect mam was held in.
“This is such a caring community that we live in, both Efailwen and nearby Crymych.
“It has been unbelievable. I’m so pleased to have raised so much money for the intensive care unit at Glangwili, where the staff gave my mam such good care.
“Unfortunately, 2020 has seen the world face difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but worst of all, we as a family have lost a loved one, mam.
“She was taken away from us at only 59 with so much to look forward to.
“So, this run was for mam.”
Hywel Dda Health Charities has also thanked Gwyndaf, his family and everyone who donated.
Head of the charity Nicola Llewelyn said: “Our thoughts are with the Lewis family after their sad loss.
“Gwyndaf’s incredible fundraising will make such a difference to NHS staff in the intensive care unit at Glangwili Hospital. Our thanks go out to him and his family, and to all those who donated.”