Runners raise over £2,000 for Picton Ward

Pictured above from left to right: Pictured (L-R): Maria Nicholas, Carys James, Sioned Philips, Nurse, Bethan James, Esther Ayiloge, Nurse and Heidi Jones, Health Care Support Worker.

Carys James and Maria Nicholas ran the Cardiff Half Marathon in October and raised over £2,000 for Picton Ward, the Gynaecology Ward, at Glangwili Hospital.

The pair ran the half marathon as a thank you to all the staff who cared for and looked after Carys’ Mum who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2022.

Carys said: “The Cardiff Half Marathon was fun and incredibly rewarding. We both thoroughly enjoyed. It is a great achievement for Maria considering she only started running back in January 2023.

“We raised £4,030.28, which was split between two wards. £2,015.14 went to the Picton Ward at Glangwili Hospital and the remaining £2,015.14 will be donated to Ward 12 at Singleton Hospital.

“Our goal was to raise £1,000 and we exceeded our goal within the first 24 hours. We are both so overwhelmed by what we have achieved and the money we have raised for the two amazing wards that looked after my Mum at a time when she needed it most.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the nurses and staff on Picton Ward in Glangwili and on Ward 12 in Singleton.

“Without the amazing staff, Mum may not have returned home. We are forever grateful for your hard work. Also, a huge thank you to Mum’s Consultant at Singleton Hospital, you have been absolutely amazing this whole journey, and we as a family thank you for everything you have done to help.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official 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 in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”