Family braves icy sea in memory of Rhys to raise funds for Wish Fund
A PEMBROKESHIRE family has raised £750 for the Wish Fund after taking a bracing dip in the sea on New Year's Day in memory of a beloved teenager who passed away last summer.
Rhys Calthorpe, who died peacefully aged 14 at his grandparents' home on 17 July 2023 following a relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, was remembered by his family during the annual New Year's Day Swim at Saundersfoot beach.
Taking part in the swim were Rhys' grandfather Mr Morris, grandmother Mrs Morris, mother Anne-Louise, and sister Faye, who wanted to honour his memory and raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
'We wanted to do something in memory of our Rhys,' said Mr Morris. 'We also wanted to give back and say thank you for the amazing care Rhys received. We chose the Wish Fund as it does incredible work for families like ours.
'Thank you to everyone who sponsored us. This was for Rhys William Calthorpe – son, brother, grandson.'
The Wish Fund is part of Hywel Dda Health Charities and supports children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions by creating precious and lasting memories for them and their families.
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Rhys' family for their fundraising efforts. Their donation will make a real difference to the children and families supported by our Paediatric Palliative Care service.
'The generosity of local communities helps us to provide care and support beyond what the NHS alone can offer across the Hywel Dda region, and we thank everyone who contributes.'
Rhys was supported throughout his illness by dedicated healthcare professionals including nurses from Cilgerran Ward and the Paediatric Oncology Outreach team.
Pictured above (L–R): Siena Mansaray, Paediatric Student Nurse; Laura Thomas, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Anne-Louise, Rhys' Mum; Faye Calthorpe, Rhys' sister; Mr and Mrs Morris, Rhys' grandparents; Rowena Jones, Retired Paediatric Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist; Rebecca McDonald, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for Paediatric Palliative Care; Kerri Rowe, Lead Paediatric Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist; and Sally Preece, Sister on Cilgerran Ward/COINS Nurse.
To learn more about the Wish Fund, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales/campaigns/the-wish-fund
For further information about Hywel Dda Health Charities or to make a donation, visit: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
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