Reporter Arron Evans to take on walk for Ronald McDonald House charity

Leader Live

3 days ago

Arron Evans, from Anglesey, works as a Digital Reporter for The Leader, covering stories in Flintshire and Wrexham.
During his eight-and-a-half years working as a journalist, he has also worked for the North Wales Chronicle, North Wales Pioneer, Rhyl Journal and Denbighshire Free Press.
On April 20 of last year, Arron's and wife Georgina's son Ffredi was born at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor.
Although it looked as though he was initially doing really well, it later became apparent that his bowel was not working as it should be.
After two days, Ffredi was transferred to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool and over the course of eight days he was treated by the incredible surgical and neonatal teams in neonatal ICU.
He was then diagnosed with Hirschsprungs - a rare congenital disease that affects around 200 babies and children a year in the UK (1 in 5,000).
For Ffredi and other children with Hirschsprungs disease, their large intestine doesn't work in the way it should, meaning that the bowel can become blocked and result in a very serious infection.
In August of last year, Ffredi underwent surgery at Alder Hey Hospital, where he was fitted with a stoma.
Since then, the family has been back and fourth between Anglesey and Liverpool as Ffredi has appointments and has dealt with various illnesses.
To show their appreciation for the hospital's support, the family organised a charity football match, which raised over £2,000.
Now, it is the turn of the Ronald McDonald House Charities to benefit from their fundraising.
On Sunday, September 12, Arron and friend Jacob Sznober will be walking from South Stack (Holyhead) to Penmon Lighthouse on Anglesey - a distance of around 34 miles.
They are aiming to raise £1,000 through their fundraiser, which can be donated to here.
Arron said: "After raising over £2,200 for Alder Hey last year with a charity football match, I thought this time around it was important to highlight the great work being done by the Ronald McDonald team.
"When my son Ffredi was born in April 2024, he was taken to Alder Hey soon after, and we soon discovered that he had a rare condition called Hirschsprung's Disease.
Arron and friend Jacob Sznober will be taking on the epic walk in September. (Image: Newsquest) "While there, I was referred to the 'Mac House' which is located just yards away from the hospital in Liverpool.
"That provided a free 'home away from home' accommodation to myself and to many other families with children having treatment at the hospital, helping to, in my case, ease the financial burden of making a four-hour round trip home and back day after day.
"I have since stayed there many times while my son has received continuous treatment at Alder Hey and the team there have been nothing short of brilliant every time.
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"The work they do can often go under the radar - with houses offering much more than just a place to stay. They provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services.
"This means that families can be by their child's bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.
"They help 6,000 families each year and now, more than ever, they need support. That's why I am supporting Ronald McDonald House this time around. Any donations would be greatly received!"