Denbighshire Auntie to Take on Cathedral Abseil in Touching Tribute to Late Nephew
A courageous aunt from Denbighshire is preparing to conquer one of the county's most iconic landmarks in a heartfelt memorial abseil dedicated to her beloved late nephew. Shannon Gage, aged 48 and residing in Denbigh, will undertake this daring challenge to honor the memory of Wil Owen, who tragically passed away at just 13 years old.
Fundraising for a Vital Cause
Shannon is raising crucial funds for Tŷ Gobaith children's hospice located in Conwy, an organization that holds profound significance for her entire family. Following Wil's untimely death, the hospice's Snowflake Suite offered the family a private and serene space to spend precious final moments together and bid a proper farewell.
Reflecting on her upcoming feat, Shannon shared: "It will be three years since Wil's passing, and as we're both originally from St Asaph, it felt fitting. He was a fun person, and I thought he would have enjoyed it. So, when I saw it advertised, although not a fan of heights I booked it straight away."
Invaluable Support from Tŷ Gobaith
She emphasized the importance of the hospice: "Raising money for Tŷ Gobaith means a great deal to us, as when Wil passed, the support we received from Tŷ Gobaith was invaluable that's where we got the time to say goodbye as a family. It's a very special place."
Shannon continued: "It's something that you never imagine you'll need – but when you know it's there, it's something you could never imagine not having. When you lose someone suddenly, you need that time to say goodbye. The whole environment and the staff, they just understood what we as a family were going through and we will never forget the support they gave to us."
Event Details and Community Encouragement
The abseil down the impressive 75-foot cathedral is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Shannon will be cheered on by Wil's parents, Linzi and Steven Owen, along with numerous other family members and close friends. Her fundraising efforts have already garnered remarkable support, with Shannon having raised an impressive £1,300 to date.
Expressing her gratitude, Shannon stated: "I really wasn't expecting to raise this much so soon. People are incredibly generous, especially when a young life has been lost. I'm very grateful for all the support."
Heartfelt Tributes and Appreciation
Sian Golding, a fundraiser for Tŷ Gobaith who is actively supporting Shannon's endeavor, commented: "This is such a touching tribute to Wil. Our Snowflake Suite provides such comfort to families and is one of the many specialist services we can continue to provide because of fundraising efforts like this."
She added: "We're all right behind you, Shannon and thank you dearly for being so brave. Good luck."
This poignant event highlights the powerful impact of community solidarity and the enduring legacy of a young life through meaningful charitable actions.
