A family from Anglesey who lost their “bravest and strongest little boy” to congenital heart disease are continuing to support other families facing unimaginable hospital journeys through a growing charity created in his memory.

Mighty Mabon’s Legacy was set up by Anglesey parents following the heartbreaking death of their son, Mabon Gwyn, in December 2023 after a long and courageous fight in hospital.

Now, alongside fundraising events and support for cardiac families, the charity has launched a new snack station for parents staying with sick children on Dewi Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The station, which will be restocked monthly, was created to help families who suddenly find themselves in hospital with little preparation.

Mabon’s family said many parents arrive on children’s wards without food or essentials while focusing entirely on their child’s care.

“Yesterday we donated food to Dewi Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd to provide a snack station for parents for when they end up in hospital with their child,” the family explained.

“So many parents end up in hospital without anything with them, so we thought this would be another way to support families.”

They said the response to the initiative had already been overwhelmingly positive.

The latest project comes just days after family members, friends and supporters completed a charity walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on May 9 — a date deeply significant to the family.

Known as Mabon’s “heartiversary”, it marks the day he underwent his third open heart surgery in 2023.

“It was the last day we saw our boy simply as himself: no wires, no tubes, no machines, no dressings,” the family said.

“The last day we were able to properly hold and hug him while he was alive.”

Mabon spent much of his final months in intensive care and endured multiple complications following surgery, including sepsis, bowel surgery, critical care myopathy and another open heart operation in November 2023.

Despite everything, his family say he continued to show extraordinary courage and strength throughout.

“Through some of the hardest moments, he still found ways to smile and laugh,” they said.

“He truly was the bravest and strongest little boy.”

In his memory, the family established Mighty Mabon’s Legacy to support cardiac families across North Wales and the North West.

The charity provides care packages and Costa vouchers to families whose children are undergoing open heart surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, as well as resources and equipment for hospital wards including Dewi Ward in Bangor.

The family are also passionate about raising awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD) and improving support for families following diagnosis and bereavement.

Each year during Heart Month, the charity organises a CHD Fun Day and encourages schools to wear red to raise awareness.

This year’s Snowdon fundraiser raised nearly £3,000, with other cardiac families joining the walk in support.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us, remembered Mabon, and helped us continue his legacy,” the family added.

“His strength, courage, and beautiful smile continue to inspire everything we do.

“Mabon Gwyn Forever 4.”