A team of 11 members of staff from across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai are lacing up their running shoes and preparing to push their physical limits to the edge by taking on the Coast-to-Care Relay, a gruelling multi-stage charity event organised to raise vital funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Ysbyty Gwynedd.

From the 2nd to the 3rd of July, this ultimate test of endurance begins with a relentless challenge that will see participants run four miles every four hours, for 48 hours. If that wasn’t punishing enough, the team will then take on an 82-mile overnight running relay all the way from Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Meet the runners:

Tony Fitzmaurice, Work Based Learning Assessor

Klare Holland-Jones, Work Based Learning Admin Team Leader

Gwyn Williams, Work Based Learning Assessor

Owain Evans, Examinations Officer

Dylan Parry, Senior Examinations Support Assistant

Rob Humphreys, Senior Data and Information Systems Officer

Liz Hughes, Work Based Learning Assessor

Jan Lloyd Roberts, Work Based Learning Work Placement Officer

Jenny Davies, Staff Wellbeing Coordinator

Gethin Jones, Higher Education Officer

Chris Hughes, Work Based Learning Assessor

“Every donation, big or small, will be helping other people and that’s a great motivator,” said Jenny, who is looking forward to being part of the team. “I love running trails but the road is a bit of a challenge for me, so I am glad of the motivation, and the positive attitude of my teammates!”

Chris noted that he is “really looking forward to being part of the team on the day,” adding that training has been going well and that he chose to take part simply because he “loves a challenge” for such a worthy cause.

Owain emphasised the community-wide impact of the chosen charities: “I am proud to join the team to support Ysbyty Gwynedd and Alder Hey, two organisations that have provided support to a large number of people in the area.”

Building up the physical stamina required for an overnight relay has required months of dedication, leading to big personal milestones for the runners.

Klare described her preparation as a “dual mission” of pushing her personal limits while raising vital funds for hospitals where many of those closest to her have experienced their amazing work firsthand.

Reflecting on her progress, Klare noted her inspiring “journey so far from 5k to 16 miles,” proving her determination to “go the extra mile for them” and make a big difference.

However, training for an elite endurance event rarely goes strictly to plan, and the runners have had to overcome physical setbacks along the way.

Gethin Jones

Gethin, a keen runner who called supporting these causes a “no-brainer,” had to navigate a recent injury. “My training is going ok, but I had to ease up over the last couple of weeks as I have pulled my calf muscle,” Gethin explained. Fortunately, the injury is healing well, and he has kept up his momentum by “often running with my daughter in her buggy at Rhos Parkrun.”

Ultimately, any minor injuries or exhausting training runs pale in comparison to the real purpose behind the relay. Liz noted that the miles the staff are putting in are “nothing compared to what families face” when dealing with childhood illnesses.

“I want to use this to support children and families who face challenges far greater than any training run,” said Liz. “If my part in this journey helps Ysbyty Gwynedd and Alder Hey even a little, then every step is worth it.”

Our runners are putting in the hard work, but they cannot do it alone. We’d love it if you could support our inspiring staff as they take on this extraordinary challenge. Every single donation helps a family in need.

To make a donation and follow their progress, please visit the official fundraising page here: The GLLM Coast-to-Care Relay Donation Page

Good luck, team!

Jenny Davies