A Tŷ Hafan family is getting ready to have some fang-tastic fun at the charity’s upcoming Dark Run sponsored fun run in Cardiff’s Bute Park this October and is urging others to do the same.
Mum Hannah Hicks from Ely, Cardiff, whose family is supported by the children’s hospice, will be officially starting the 2km sponsored fun run on Saturday 18 October.
This is the first time Tŷ Hafan is bringing its popular Dark Run sponsored fun run to Cardiff city centre and the event is kindly sponsored by Acorns Nurseries.
James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, says: “As well as having some fright-fully good family fun, by taking part in the Bute Park Dark Run you’ll be raising money to help ensure that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.
“We’ve only got 300 spaces though and tickets are selling fast.”
“The Dark Run is a great Tŷ Hafan event because it’s one the whole family can join in with while raising much needed funds for a charity that helps families,” says Hannah, mum to Alice, 12, who was born with hydranencephaly, which causes seizures and affects her ability to move and communicate, Sophia, 10, and five-year-old Jack.
“It’s a fun way to spend time with the family, get some fresh air and get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up if you fancy it.
“Tŷ Hafan is a massive support to our family and has been since Alice was born.
“They’ve provided us with respite care and during a recent long hospital stay, members of the Tŷ Hafan team came to visit every week to check in on Alice and the rest of the family and kept in contact since her return home in case we needed any extra support.
“They also put on many family events through the year which we regularly attend as these are a great opportunity to spend time as a family in a safe space and meet other families with a similar lifestyle.
“Sophie and Jack go to Tŷ Hafan’s Supersibs club which meets once a month. They do fun activities with children in similar families to their own. They always look forward to going and have made some lovely friends there.
“Tŷ Hafan are like a lifeline for us, if we need advice or just need to off load a bit, we know there’s always someone there we can call.”
Cherie Wilson, Director at Acorns Nurseries, says: “We are delighted to share that we are working in partnership with Tŷ Hafan, sponsoring the Dark Run event in Bute Park.
“Everything we do at Acorns is guided by our commitment to care, compassion, and supporting children to thrive. The hospice’s incredible work with children and their families aligns closely with our core values at Acorns, and by taking part we can help shine a light of hope, together making a positive difference in young lives.”
“Run, jog or walk this epic spooky 2km fun run – it’s up to you how you do it,” adds James Davies-Hale. “Your run will take you past the Gorsedd Stone Circle, up past Blackfriars Friary, along the path next to the river Taff towards the orchard lawn and there is an option to do a second lap too.
“Plus parts of the course will be lit up for this event, and fancy dress is optional, but strongly encouraged. Think bright neon colours and Halloween dress up and we’ll be giving a prize for the best costume.
“We simply ask that each family or group raises a minimum of £50 in sponsorship because everything you raise helps Tŷ Hafan to reach more children and families who need us.
“You can download your sponsorship form from our website and everyone who takes part will get a free large glowstick and a glow in the dark medal.”
“Spaces are filling quickly though, so to make sure you don’t miss out, go to: Bute Park Dark Run – Tŷ Hafan to sign up now.”
Tŷ Hafan is also running Dark Run sponsored fun runs in Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil on Friday 17th October, and at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday 25th October.
