For grieving parents Gwenno George and Luke Nicholas, a stunning rainbow that appeared during the final leg of their fundraising journey held more significance than any amount of money. The symbolic moment provided profound comfort as they completed a series of walks throughout November, covering a total of 165 miles to raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.
A Journey of Love and Loss
The couple's final walk took place on Sunday, November 23, tracing a 20km route from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff to the Tŷ Hafan hospice in Penarth. This poignant journey mirrored the distance from their Cardiff home to Gwenno's hometown of Criccieth in North Wales. Their son, Emrys Arthur, was born prematurely at just 25 weeks on 6 March last year and tragically passed away in his parents' arms only eight days later on 14 March.
"We walked from NICU, our son Emrys' first home, to Tŷ Hafan, a place that we are very lucky to now call another home," Gwenno shared. The couple received invaluable support from Tŷ Hafan, who enabled them to drive their son's body to Criccieth for burial and have since provided counselling and ongoing bereavement support.
The Symbolic Rainbow and Fundraising Success
During their emotional 20km walk, the couple found solace in sharing memories of their son. "We chatted about Emrys along the way, and at one point a perfect rainbow appeared, a symbol that we very closely associate with Emrys," Gwenno recounted. "I will hold that moment, and the journey, very closely in my heart for a long time."
Their incredible efforts, bravely sharing Emrys' story in support of Tŷ Hafan's Every Precious Life Appeal, have already raised over £10,000, a figure that continues to grow. Dan Bamsey, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, expressed immense gratitude: "We can't thank them enough for what they are doing for us and everyone who has supported them so generously."
How You Can Support the Appeal
The Every Precious Life Appeal aims to raise £400,000 in just 60 hours to support more families of children with life-shortening conditions. The public is urged to visit charityextra.com/everypreciouslife any time before 10pm on Tuesday 25 November to donate. "Because no family should have to live their child's short life alone," Bamsey emphasised, highlighting the critical nature of the community's support this Christmas.
