School raises £2,200 for Glangwili Chemo Unit

Pictured: Staff from the Chemotherapy unit with Miss Victoriia, Mr Rhodri Bowen and sports ambassadors from Model Church in Wales School.

Pupils, staff and families at Model Church in Wales School in Carmarthen have raised an incredible £2,200 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital following a whole-school fundraising challenge.

The fundraising event took place on Comic Relief Day, with teacher Rhodri Bowen taking on the challenge of running continuously from 9am until 3pm around the school grounds. Supported by the school council, sports ambassadors and 500 pupils, Mr Bowen completed an impressive 25 miles, while children joined him throughout the day dressed in colourful costumes.

The challenge was inspired by learning support assistant Miss Victoriia, who has been receiving chemotherapy treatment at Glangwili Hospital for more than two years. After discussing potential causes to support, she chose to raise funds for the Chemotherapy Day Unit as a thank you for the care and support she has received throughout her treatment.

The school initially set a fundraising target of £750 but far exceeded expectations, raising £2,200 thanks to the generosity of pupils, parents and the wider community.

A spokesperson for Model Church in Wales School said: “The whole school enjoyed the day and it gave us a real sense of belonging. It was an uplifting day with a party feel. We wanted to support the Chemotherapy Day Unit because of the care and support they have given to our colleague, Miss Victoriia, who continues to inspire us every day. We are extremely grateful to everyone who donated so generously and helped us raise £2,200.”

Senior Sister Jessica Michael from the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital said: “On behalf of the staff and patients at the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital, I would like to thank you for your fundraising efforts resulting in a very generous donation of £2,200.

“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. Diolch yn fawr!”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone at Model Church in Wales School for this wonderful donation. The story behind this fundraising effort is very moving and demonstrates the power of a community coming together to support someone they care about.

“The funds raised will help enhance the experience of patients receiving treatment at the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital by funding items which are above and beyond core NHS expenditure.”

Your donations are making a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff.