NHS staff from across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have come together to say “diolch” to the community for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than £100,000 has been raised locally for NHS staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients since Hywel Dda’s NHS COVID-19 Appeal was launched at the end of March.
A total of £20,000 worth of items have also been purchased for patients through Hywel Dda’s Patient Appeal on Amazon, alongside dozens of donations in kind to hospitals, of food and supplies.
In a video released on Hywel Dda Health Charities’ Facebook page Hywel Dda Health Charities' Facebook page today, Hywel Dda staff read a poignant, bilingual poem entitled ‘Diolch’, written by local poet Tudur Dylan Jones in celebration of the community spirit seen across mid and west Wales.
The biggest fundraiser was that by Rhythwyn Evans of Silian, whose 91 laps of his garden on his 91st birthday raised over £44,000.
A special mention must also go to Gwyndaf Lewis of Efailwen, who raised over £37,000 for the ICU at Glangwili Hospital, by running 50km in memory of his mum Undeg who sadly died of coronavirus.
The release of the video marks the closure of the Hywel Dda COVID-19 Appeal at the end of June.
Chair of Hywel Dda UHB, Ms Maria Battle, said: “The support and generosity shown to our staff and patients over the past few months has been nothing short of heartwarming, overwhelming and inspiring.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported our staff, volunteers and patients and our COVID-19 appeal. Your kindness has made such a difference.
“Our thanks also go to Tudur Dylan Jones for his beautifully written words. ‘Diolch’ encapsulates our thanks and we are truly humbled by all the love and support shown to the local NHS at this time.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “As we move from the initial challenges that COVID-19 brought, we now look ahead to how charitable funds raised can continue to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
“We understand these are difficult times but any support you can give means you’ll be making a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff. Our work would not be possible without your support.”
You can donate now, easily and quickly, by donating here www.justgiving.com/hywelddahealthcharities or for more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities please visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/hywel-dda-health-charities or contact the charity team on 01267 239815.