"Participating in the NatWest Baton Relay is an opportunity to raise much-needed funds"
There's an old adage that nobody has ever become poor by giving.
For Rhian Owens, who is proudly participating in this year's baton relay hosted by her employer NatWest Cymru, giving back to her local community has been incredibly rewarding - and she is urging those with the compassion in their hearts and the physical ability to get involved to consider participating to raise funds for incredible, invaluable causes.
"Volunteering as a community welfare responder has been incredibly rewarding," said Rhian, who volunteers for the Welsh Ambulance Service to help ease the load on ambulances, and ensure quicker response times for patients in the local area.
"I'm passionate about making a difference for the community, and the ambulance service is vital for our region. Participating in the NatWest Baton Relay allows my colleagues and I an opportunity to raise much-needed funds, particularly at a time where funding for local services is under pressure and difficult choices have to be made.
"I'd urge everyone to consider donating what they can via our fundraising page, and together we can make a real difference."
The relay, which launched last year, is part of NatWest's Go For It Challenge - and has raised almost £70,000 for charities close to the hearts of colleagues across the country - and this year, colleagues will continue to fundraise even more for fantastic causes. Colleagues have the freedom to choose how and where they want to take part, and can select their own charity or community group to raise money for.
NatWest is running the four-year Baton Relay across the UK in the run up to the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, with the first leg kicking off from May 29 until June 13. Participants can walk, wheel, run, cycle, swim, kayak or sail to complete the relay.
The baton started its journey in Penzance, travelling through the south-west of England in NatWest's mobile banking van to Southampton. Colleagues collected the baton on Monday, June 2, before beginning their travels through London, the south-east and Wales, and will complete its journey at Menai Bridge, north Wales - with 300 colleagues taking part along the way.
(Image: NatWest)
As the relay makes its way through North Wales on Thursday, June 12, it will spotlight Rhian's story of dedication, exemplifying the spirit of the event and recognising the critical role that ambulance services play across North Wales - particularly in rural areas, where life-saving support is often further away.
Showing true dedication to the cause, Rhian will be kayaking four miles along the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct during her leg of the relay, braving fast-flowing water and steep drops along her route.
Jessica Shipman, NatWest Cymru regional board spokesperson said: "We are incredibly proud of colleagues like Rhian, whose commitment to their local communities truly makes a difference.
"The baton relay not only showcases the determination and dedication of our employees, but also highlights the power of collective action. Rhian's work with the ambulance service and her fundraising efforts for the ambulance are inspiring examples of how our colleagues are making a positive impact."
Designed to inspire and mobilise communities by bringing the spirit of the Olympics to life, last year's baton relay event covered 1,000 miles and visited 42 branches and 10 offices in the UK. The event included around 230 colleagues, four Olympians, 10 days, 24 stages, and eight sports, raising more than £70,000 for nominated charities.
NatWest is the official banking partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, and will support both teams through the Milano-Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To find out more about NatWest's partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, please visit the NatWest Team GB and ParalympicsGB Hub.
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