Whist drives raise over £5,200 for Glangwili Hospital

Pictured above: Photo 1: Cllr Tyssul Evans and Susan Childs (Elin’s mother) with Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer.

Photo 2: Staff from the Glangwili Chemo Unit with Cllr Tyssul Evans and Susan Childs.

Cllr Tyssul Evans has raised an incredible £5,252 for Glangwili Hospital by organising a series of community whist drives in memory of his friend, Elin Ludgate.

31‑year‑old Elin sadly passed away on St David’s Day in 2025. Honouring the wishes of Elin’s family, the funds have been split equally between two services close to their hearts – the Chemotherapy Day Unit and the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Glangwili Hospital.

Cllr Evans said: “Following the sad passing of a young friend, Mrs Elin Ludgate, I decided to seek a grant from Carmarthenshire County Council to sponsor the holding of a series of whist drives across our County. Elin was treated at the Chemotherapy Unit at Glangwili and gave birth to a baby just two months prior to her sad passing also at Glangwili Hospital.

“We were granted £1,000 from the council which enabled myself and numerous friends to get on with raising funds for the two units.

“Six whist drives were held at Pontiets Hall, Llangadog Hall, Llanddeusant Hall, Brechfa Hall, Cwrt Henri and Cwmifor Hall.

“I would like to thank Carmarthenshire County Council for the grant that covered all the venue costs and also all the numerous volunteers at the six different locations who put a lot of effort into the fundraising.”

Alex Tipping, Ward Manager on SCBU, said: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity in raising money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili General Hospital.

“We are truly grateful that you chose to support our unit, your kindness will make a meaningful difference to the babies and families we care for. Fundraising efforts like yours are vital to helping us improve the quality of care and the overall experience for those who need our support during such a critical time.”

Jessica Michael, Senior Sister on the Chemotherapy Unit, 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 a very generous donation.

“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.”

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to Cllr Tyssul Evans for such an incredible effort in raising funds in Elin’s memory.

“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.”