9-year-old thanked for her fundraising efforts
A NINE-YEAR-OLD has been thanked by a leading heart charity for fundraising towards lifesaving research after her grandfather had stents fitted.
Anwen Rowlands, from Nantaredig, wanted to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and she wanted to help other people with heart conditions.
Her grandfather Lyn Rowlands had stent surgery two years ago.
Anwen took part in a 5km walking challenge for the charity and said: “I really enjoyed doing the 5km and I’m very proud of myself for collecting £205 for the BHF Foundation.
“I chose the British Heart Foundation because my tadcu had an operation on his heart, and I wanted to say thank you.”
Lyn recently celebrated his 68th birthday and Anwen’s grandmother, Jane Rowlands said: “We are very proud of Anwen that she’s shown so much love towards her tadcu and choosing to fundraise in support of BHF following his heart operation.
“Anwen and her sister, Carys are very much loved by us both.”
After deciding to support the charity earlier this year, Anwen visited the BHF Cymru Home Store in Pensarn, Carmarthen, with her mum Emma-jane to get some fundraising tips and recently returned to present a cheque to store manager Linda Ryan.
Emma-jane said the BHF team were really helpful, with Linda, her staff and volunteers being very supportive of the young fundraiser.
Linda said: “We were thrilled that Anwen came to the store to talk to us about her wish to support the BHF, she’s such an inspirational little girl, we were delighted to give her some advice on how best to raise money to help fund our lifesaving research.”
The good news doesn’t stop there as big-hearted Anwen has gained her Girlguiding Brownie “Charities” badge as a result of her fundraising.
The 5k challenge Anwen took part in was held at her school, and on top of the £205 she raised for the BHF, she collected another £300 which will be split between her school’s sensory unit fund and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.
Anwen’s dad Gary said: “We are beyond proud of what Anwen has achieved.
“We initially set a target of £100, this then increased to £100 per charity, but we were overwhelmed by the support of our local community raising a final total of £505.”