Overwhelming generosity sees thousands of pounds donated to support patients and staff
Swansea Bay Health Charity and Swansea Bay University Health Board are saying a huge thank you to the generous donors and fantastic fundraisers who are supporting patients and staff in these unprecedented times.
Thousands of pounds raised by communities across the Swansea Bay area are already making an incredible difference in the fight against COVID-19.
The health charity supports patients, staff and services within the health board and manages around 275 funds for equipment, research, training and patient care.
Swansea Bay’s head of fundraising, Deborah Longman, said: “At Swansea Bay Health Charity we are passionate about supporting our local communities in their time of need.
“Now, in our time of need, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of our local communities and local businesses in helping us.
“The money that has been raised and the items that have been donated are making such an incredible difference to our patients and staff.
“So from the bottom of my heart, thank you all. You really have spread the love for Swansea Bay.”
Former Wales rugby captain Ryan Jones has helped raise more than £13,000 for Swansea Bay Health Charity, and a further £39,000 for the all-Wales NHS fundraising campaign which the charity is hosting.
Having set himself an initial target of raising £50,000, Ryan started his fundraising efforts by running a marathon in his garden, then asked 100 people to raise £100 each by riding 100 miles collectively on Saturday April 11.
He followed this with another collective effort, asking people to walk a mile which saw £1,348 raised through more than 70 generous donations.
Finally, he set himself the challenge of running 100 miles on a treadmill in his kitchen which took around 22 hours, finished on Saturday April 25 and raised £5,620.
Ryan said: “Like many I am confined to my home and as this situation continues to play out before me, I am just amazed at the strength of the human spirit and the generosity of so many.
“Those giving of their time not because it’s a job but because they care, those putting at risk their own health because they truly care - you truly are an inspiration and I just want to support you!”
Meanwhile, local DJs Ed Kurno and Leighton Brookfield teamed up to raise more than £6,500 through an evening of dance music sets streamed via Facebook live.
The duo said the money raised would go directly to Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Helping Hand Fund, which supports projects that don’t fit into one of the charity’s existing dedicated funds or in areas that do not have one.
In addition to these JustGiving fundraising initiatives, the charity has also received thousands of donations via its Amazon wish list.
If you would like to donate via the Amazon wish list please follow this link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2Y0HA0RXNXQC8?ref_=wl_share
Everything from toiletries and pyjamas to tablet computers have been purchased by individuals, businesses and local community groups for patients in Swansea Bay’s hospitals.
If you would like to donate please follow this link: www.justgiving.com/campaign/spreadtheloveswansea.
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