A local family has launched a fundraising campaign to show solidarity for the Intensive Care Unit team at Ysbty Gwynedd’s Cybi Ward and is encouraging others to get involved to help ensure frontline NHS staff in Gwynedd and Anglesey will have everything they need to help care for the most vulnerable in the region that are affected by Covid-19.

 

Welsh toy manufacturer Paola Dyboski-Bryant and her family have decided to launch ‘Together Let’s Beat This’ after their family in Italy shared stories of the brave healthcare staff there that are working tirelessly to treat and care for those that are admitted to hospitals with the virus. Their aim is to raise money for additional equipment and extra items required by staff in Ysbyty Gwynedd. Paola and her family have made an impassioned appeal to local communities to come together and give what they can in a bid to do something positive at a time when they feel helpless.

Paola, who is originally from Italy but now lives in Clwt y Bont, near Bangor, said: “As Covid19 is starting to make itself felt amongst our community I am concerned, but I’m determined to be positive. I think our focus needs to be on ‘many loved ones CAN be saved’ rather than ‘many loved ones will be lost’.

“Through loved ones that live in the affected areas in Italy I have been witnessing every day what is happening on the ground there as the Coronavirus takes hold. One thing that is incredibly clear, is that the pressure on the medical staff and facilities is huge.

“Whilst most of us that get the virus we will experience something very mild, but for many this will be much more serious. Either directly or indirectly, many of us will need the help of our amazing NHS and medical staff.

“In Italy, as I understand it, before the Coronavirus pandemic began they already had twice as many intensive care beds as the UK, and even these have not been enough. Ventilators have been in short supply, doctors and nurses have been incredibly stretched. Here in North Wales, we must prepare. Now. For our NHS teams to help us we will need to help them. I appreciate that everyone is going to be thinking of their own finances given the uncertainty at this time, nut if we all give a little, I think we could achieve an awful lot.”

The money raised through the family’s ‘Together Let’s Beat This’ will go directly to Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Intensive Care Unit’s Fund. Ysbyty Gwynedd’s clinical teams – local professionals who understand what is most needed for local communities and who are aware of what the NHS is already doing to tackle the pandemic – will decide how the money raised will be used to best benefit the most vulnerable in local communities in North West Wales.

The family have explained that the monies raised through their appeal will not replace statutory funding; all donations will be used to fund additional items that go over and above what the NHS will provide.

Ziggy, Paola’s youngest son aged 11, is keen to make sure that those who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus know that he and others are thinking of them: “I’ve been talking to my mum and we just want to do everything we can to help save lives of friends and neighbours who might get sick over the next few months. We also want to make sure that the doctors and nurses can stay positive when they’re going to be really busy. I think our donations will help all of them know that we all care. Perhaps we can spread love and not this Coronavirus.”

To show your support for Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Intensive Care Team and raise funds for additional equipment and other extra resources, donate to ‘Together Let’s Beat This’ at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/togetherletsbeatthis or text Awyr Las YGCV to 70500 to give £5 now.