Wrexham: Act of kindness brings joy on Easter weekend

Leader Live

30-04-2025

In a heart warming gesture of compassion and community spirit, Gareth Williams, founder of ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) and the John Walker and Oliver Parks Foundation, visited the Children's Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
He showed up armed with dozens of Easter eggs and activity books to bring a little sparkle and hope to the faces of poorly children spending Easter in hospital.
(Image: Rob Galloway)
Each egg and book was given with the hope that it would provide a memory to treasure during tough times.
Gareth also presented the nurses and unsung heroes of the Children's Ward with beautiful flowers, a heartfelt thank-you card, and £100 out of his own pocket towards an afternoon or evening out.
Gareth with Claire Jones from Card Factory (Image: Rob Galloway)
A small but powerful gesture to say, 'We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.'
However, none of this almost didn't happen.
Just days before the big visit, Gareth's own vehicle broke down, putting the entire Easter delivery in jeopardy. But Sam Jones at Enterprise Rentals Wrexham stepped in and saved the day.
Hearing Gareth's story, Sam immediately reached out and provided a van at a discounted rate, allowing him to get everything to the hospital in time for Easter Sunday.
Gareth with Sam Jones at Enterprise (Image: Rob Galloway)
'Without Sam and Enterprise Wrexham, none of this would have been possible,' Gareth said.
'I was in a real bind, and they absolutely saved Easter for those children. I can't thank them enough. I would highly recommend them to anyone!'
Gareth also sends a massive thank you to the local businesses and community members who supported the mission, including; Enterprise Wrexham (special thanks to Sam), Marks & Spencer, Boots, Tesco and Card Factory.
Founded in January 2023, ARK: The John Walker and Oliver Park Foundation was created following a period of profound loss for Gareth, who lost his best friend John to sarcoma in 2015.
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In 2022, tragedy struck again when John's 27-year-old son Harrison passed away. Their deaths inspired Gareth to act, and has conducted acts of kindness in their memory ever since.
"The goal was clear", he said. "To transform grief into action and offer hope, healing, and human connection to others in need.
"It's about helping the community amongst communities – those who often fall between the cracks."
The foundation also works closely with the NHS and other frontline services to ensure people get the care and compassion they deserve, especially when they're at their most vulnerable.
"At its heart, ARK is about rebuilding trust and compassion in a world that often feels fractured. It's a reminder that sometimes, the smallest acts – a conversation, a smile, a helping hand – can make the biggest difference."