The family of a one-year-old who was cared for by Hope House children’s hospice will help start off the charity’s first-ever Aberystwyth event this summer.
‘Granny’ Amanda Trubshaw will be joined by Archie Crute’s parents, Dan and Becky, to light up the Aberystwyth sea front in his memory for the 5K Glow Walk on Saturday, 8th August.
Archie, who lived with his mum and dad in Wrexham, was diagnosed as a baby with Menkes disease, an untreatable condition that affects around one in every 300,000 babies.
Amanada, who lives in Llandre and works at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, said: “Hope House is a truly remarkable place, and we were so lucky to have it when we needed it for Archie.
“I can still remember the first time I visited the hospice to see Archie. I thought it was going to be all doom and gloom. But then when I got there the staff were lovely and it was all about making happy moments for Archie with us all.
“Making memories with Archie was so special.
“I was lucky enough to have a swimming session with Archie in the hydrotherapy pool, and it was truly lovely. I remember seeing him totally relaxed. He was in the water, and you could really see him enjoying that sensation with all the lights. It was the same with the sensory room.
“Archie could just join in and take part in things at Hope House and was never excluded.”
Amanda and her family will set walkers on their way from Aberystwyth Bandstand at 8.30pm following a route, looping around the town’s castle as dusk falls and the promenade begins to glow.
The family-friendly event is open to all ages and abilities, with participants receiving a glow headband to wear during the walk and a bespoke medal at the finish.
This marks the first time Hope House and Ty Gobaith have hosted a dedicated fundraising event in Aberystwyth.
Bekki Fardoe, fundraiser with the charity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Amanda, Dan and Becky to join us to start our first Glow Walk, which is also very kindly being sponsored by local business Andrew Scott Ltd.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to bring people together for something fun while raising awareness of the care we provide to children and families across Wales.
“We want to reach more families that may benefit from our services across Ceredigion, and this is our first step is raising awareness of us as a charity in the area.
“The Glow Walk is all about coming together as a community, whether you take part with friends, family or on your own, and every step will help us continue to provide vital support when it’s needed most.”
Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, Mark Bowen said: “We are incredibly proud to be headline supporters of the first ever Aberystwyth Glow Walk in aid of Hope House Tŷ Gobaith. As a Welsh business, we believe it is important to give something back to the communities where we live and work. The incredible support provided by Hope House Tŷ Gobaith to children and families across Wales is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to play a part in helping them continue their vital work.
“The Glow Walk is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come together, have fun and show their support for families who rely on these essential services. We’re looking forward to seeing Aberystwyth light up and being part of what promises to be a very special evening. We encourage everyone to get involved, join the walk and help raise as much as possible for this amazing cause.”
You can take part individually or as part of a group, and friendly dogs on leads are also welcome, sign up at www.hopehouse.org.uk/glow
