Friends and family of Alaw went the extra mile this summer for Tŷ Gobaith which has become her ‘haven’.

Alaw Evans's mum Ffion, from Llanfairpwll, Ffion developed a very rare pregnancy condition called HELLP syndrome which resulted in Alaw suffering a catastrophic brain injury due to a lack of oxygen. 

This left her unable to sit up, crawl or stand without support. Aged around two, she was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and a muscle spasm condition called Dystonia.

Alaw enjoying a respite stay at Tŷ Gobaith 

Taith Y Gens (Journey of the Ladies)

Eight friends of mum Ffion took on the challenge of walking the equivalent of a trip each from Alaw’s Anglesey home to Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice in the Conwy Valley – a total of 512km between them.

Calling themselves Taith Y Gens (Journey of the Ladies), Awen, Elliw, Eurgain, Ffion, Gwenno, Lois, Naomi and Siân all met many years ago at university and have remained close friends since.

From the group, Elliw Hughes said: “Alaw and her family, Ffion, Barry and Caio, are extremely special to us, and we’re eager to do our bit.

“We now live all over Wales, so we decided to do a virtual challenge over the summer.

“The challenge? Walking or running the journey from the family’s home in Llanfairpwll to Tŷ Gobaith and back.

“It’s a journey of 64km and so between us we’ll total 512km.

“Tŷ Gobaith is a haven for Alaw and her family, and countless other families in the area.

“Our challenge this summer is nothing compared to the daily challenges they face.”

An Amazing Total

With the challenge now complete, the ladies have raised over £2,300 for Tŷ Gobaith – with three of them making it to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, Wales’ highest peak for their final effort.

Lois contributed: “I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible care Alaw receives at Tŷ Gobaith, and the comfort it brings to Ffion, Barry and Caio.

“Joining friends to raise money for a cause so close to all of our hearts gave me all the motivation I needed to lace up my shoes and clock those miles for Alaw.”

Alaw at Tŷ Gobaith with parents Ffion and Barry and brother Caio

Thank You

Hospice fundraiser Nikki Jones has been following the team’s progress and said: “What a great effort by them all to coordinate their walks around busy family and working lives.

“It’s really touching when friends and family wrap around for a team effort like this – especially when a loved one is affected.

“A huge well-done and thank you to them all. We’re so grateful.”