Super fundraiser, Dafydd Coates, has hailed the “collective achievements” of North West Wales’ local businesses, his friends, family and generous associates and the Alaw Cancer Care Unit’s staff at Ysbyty Gwynedd, for smashing his £10,000 fundraising target.
Dafydd’s wife of 25 years, Nina, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this year. He credits the incredible staff on the Alaw Unit for helping them remain positive and getting through the intense treatment that Nina has received over the past 6 months.
Dafydd and Nina decided to raise money for the Alaw Unit to demonstrate their appreciation for the excellent care Nina has received recently. With the financial backing of Huws Gray, W O Jones and a number of other local businesses, Dafydd, who became a serious photographer four years ago, decided to make a 2020 calendar to raise money to help fund new facilities and equipment on the Unit. Dafydd decided on an ambitious target of selling 1,000 calendars in two months, and now he only has 20 left to sell.
50 year old Dafydd, from Llangefni, says: “This year has been difficult for my son, Dylan, and for myself and our extended family and friends, but it’s been especially hard for Nina, obviously, who has shown such bravery throughout her breast cancer treatment. Throughout her treatment she has always been able to keep a smile on her face, as she’s been buoyed by the phenomenally dedicated staff on the Alaw Unit.
“I have nothing but praise for everyone – from the surgeons to the support staff – who have looked after Nina this year. Everyone has gone over and above what they needed to do to ensure she had the very best care.
“This nightmare of a year is over now though. Nina’s treatment finished three weeks ago and she’s doing well thanks to the fantastic care she’s received, and thanks to the great support we’ve had from our local community. We’re looking forward to an extra special Christmas this year.
“Our year is finishing on a high, thanks to the fundraising efforts of everyone who has got involved in selling our calendars this year. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has bought one and all who have sponsored it to ensure that 100% of the money raised from the calendar can go to the Alaw Unit.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support received and I genuinely don’t know where to start with my thank yous, because I have so many. When I went on to the Alaw Unit to present the cheque to them I was overcome with emotion. This calendar is something very positive which has come from a really negative situation.
“I couldn’t have done any of this on my own. When I ordered the 1,000 calendars I thought, oh my, what have I done! I questioned whether we were going to sell them all. I couldn’t have got through recent months without the help of NHS staff, family, friends and colleagues, and I wouldn’t have surpassed my fundraising goal – we have raised over £11,000 now! – if it wasn’t for the support of the sponsors and sellers.
“We’re looking forward not back now, and in 2020 Nina, Dylan and I intend to do everything we’ve put on hold this year. Here’s to an exciting new decade for us all!”
If you’d like to purchase one of the last remaining 20 calendars, please contact Dafydd on 07717687776.
