£16,700 raised for NHS charity in memory of David Gwynfor Lewis
Pictured left to right: Sharon Groom, Senior Sister, Chemotherapy Day Unit, Prince Philip Hospital;
Katie Phillips, Physiotherapist; Emma Mulgrew, Clinical Nurses Specialist; Sue Gilly, Staff Nurse, Ty Bryngwyn; Owain Thomas, Palliative Care Consultant; Alun Owens; Mark Thomas; Annmarie Thomas; Paula Eldridge;
Tina Butler, Health Care Support Worker; Steve Eldridge.
The family of David Gwynfor Lewis, who sadly passed away last year, and his local community, have raised an incredible £16,700 for their local NHS charity in his memory.
Known as ‘Dai Coed Cyw’, David, from Llannon, received outstanding care at Prince Philip Hospital and Ty Bryngwyn Hospice. His family and friends have worked tirelessly to fundraise for Hywel Dda Health Charities, the local NHS charity, to make a positive difference to the experiences of other patients.
The total includes donations in lieu of flowers in David’s memory, and funds raised by a number of events and activities organised by the local community, including:
- The sale of Easter egg chicks by Lewis Thomas
- A 2022 running challenge by Adrian and Diane Thomas
- A Wales Coastal Path running challenge by Paula and Steve Eldridge
- A harvest thanksgiving and tractor run by Llannon YFC
- A barn dance organised by Alun and Mandy Owens
- A donation from Pontarddulais Show Committee
- A donation from Bynea Royal British Legion.
Of the £16,700 raised, £8,800 will go to Ty Bryngwyn Hospice and £7,900 to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.
David’s sister Annmarie Thomas said: "We would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for all their support in raising such an incredible sum in David’s memory. David would be so proud that this amount of money can be invested to support patient care and experience in two services which provided him with exceptional care.”
Emma Mulgrew, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Prince Philip Hospital, said: “Myself and the whole Specialist Palliative Care team are so grateful for the time friends and family have invested in raising funds in David's memory, and for their dedication. It was an honour to meet and support both David and his family at such a difficult time. David was clearly loved and respected by so many.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official NHS charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”