FFION EVANS from Aberystwyth and a group of friends, family members and colleagues – AKA the ‘Ceredigion Coastal Team’ – have raised over £24,000 for Ystwyth Ward, Bronglais Hospital, by walking the entire 60 miles of the Ceredigion Coastal Path in less than 24 hours.
The epic walk, which started in Cardigan at 2pm on Friday 30th June, took 21 hours 49 minutes, finishing in Ynyslas.
Ffion said: “We took on this challenge as a way of showing our appreciation to the entire team on Ystwyth Ward for the ongoing care and rehabilitation my Dad receives after suffering a major stroke in November 2022.
“Dad continues to be a patient on the ward and every member of staff – the Physios, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language teams – have provided excellent care and rehabilitation.
“We want to ensure that future patients have access to even greater rehabilitation opportunities. New equipment for the ward will be purchased with the monies raised.”
The team received fantastic support along the way with well-wishers joining the walkers, cheering them on, sending messages of support and fuelling them with food and drink all through the day and night.
“That kept us going throughout the challenge, and to see familiar faces all along the 60-mile route was very special,” said Ffion. “But don’t get me wrong, the Coastal Path terrain was very challenging, and there were plenty of sore legs the next day!
“We are very proud to have been a part of something very special. I would like to thank every single person who has donated and played a part in any way to help us raise so much money through this challenge.
“My biggest thanks goes to the team on Ystwyth Ward which continues to provide amazing care to my Dad – I really hope they realise how special they are, and how much of a difference they make to patients and their families who are going through a difficult time.”
In addition to the Coastal Path walk, a successful fundraising evening was held on 16th June at Penrhyncoch Football Club with an incredible £7,420 raised on the night.
Beth James, Senior Sister on Ystwyth Ward, said: “Patients and staff for years to come will benefit from their generosity, we are so grateful for your support.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Ffion and the Ceredigion Coastal Team for their incredible fundraising.
“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.”
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
