Hospital catering team raise £800 in memory of colleague

Pictured above: Photo 1 (L-R): Claire Rumble, Misha Lloyd, Sharon Nelson and Bethan John

                             Photo 2: Claire Rumble, Misha Lloyd, Sharon Nelson and Bethan John with staff from the Chemotherapy Day Unit.

The catering team at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli took part in a series of fundraising events and raised £800 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit and Bryngofal Mental Health Unit in memory of beloved colleague Karen Hartnell.

Karen joined the front of house team in 2017 but sadly passed away in November 2022.

Bethan John, Kitchen Supervisor, said: “We completed several challenges to raise as much money as we could. Mischa, Bethan, Macy and I completed the Walrus Dip on Boxing Day 2023. Mischa and Macy completed the Llanelli 10k in February 2024. And the final challenge was Velocity, which is the fastest zip line in the world, in North Wales, which Mischa, Bethan and Caitlin completed in March 2024.

“We all individually raised money for each challenge outside of work. We also had a couple of charity boxes placed within the hospital shop and catering department in order for the wider community to also donate to help reach our target.

“The PPH Catering team felt the need to show support for services that were supporting our staff during time of illness. Therefore, the Chemotherapy Day Unit and Bryngofal Mental Health Unit were chosen in order to express our appreciation.

“We'd like to thank Hywel Dda Health Charities for their support throughout the process and staff and public for their generosity and support.”

Kath Watkins, Senior Sister, said: “On behalf of the staff and patients at the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital, I would like to thank the catering team for their fundraising efforts resulting a very generous donation of £400.

“We are always looking at ways to improve the environment and improve the way we care for patients within the Chemotherapy Day Unit.  Please be assured that this money will go towards this improvement. Thank you.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Thank you to Prince Philip Hospital catering team for coming together to raise funds in memory of their beloved colleague, Karen.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”