Llangollen: Memorial bench to be placed for 'amazing' woman
Born in Birmingham, Samantha 'Sam' Hodgetts moved to the North Wales town with her family when she was young. After years living abroad, she returned to the area just 18-months ago.
Sadly, on April 15, Sam passed away. She was just 33-years-old.
Sam Hodgetts with Dad Stephen Hodgetts at her graduation at Edinburgh Law School (Image: UGC)
Her brother, George Hodgetts, says the news changed the lives of their family forever.
"We received the absolutely heart-shattering news that no brother, no parent, no friend should ever have to hear", he said.
"It was sudden and devastating. Even now, writing this two weeks on, I still can't begin to process it. At just 33 years of age, with so much still to give and so many dreams left unfulfilled, she has been taken from us."
In Sam's honour, George is raising money to install a memorial bench along Llangollen Canal, the town where she grew up and touched many lives.
Sam with brother George Hodgetts and Laura Jones (Image: UGC)
George said: "Sam often said how being near water soothed her and helped her feel at ease. We feel this would be a fitting tribute, somewhere a passers-by can rest their tired legs and take in the calming waters and peaceful views, just as Sam loved to do.
"It will also give all of us who knew and loved her a quiet, reflective place to sit, remember her, and feel close to her spirit."
Sam had recently moved back to the area, after spending much time in Paris and Geneva where she worked for NGO charitable organisations.
"Sam finally came full circle and ended up back in Llangollen" George said.
"And to be honest we were so glad, it was so nice to finally have her close to home. She was so so happy in the months leading up to this.
Brother and sister, George and Sam Hodgetts (Image: UGC) "She also did a three month volunteer programme in Ghana, so charity and being so caring and kind was definitely a huge part of her life.
Upon her return to North Wales, her family say she was thriving in her new role as Volunteer Coordinator for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Despite only being three months in, Sam oversaw the hundreds of volunteers who make the event a huge success.
Her family say her colleagues 'couldn't speak any more positively about her.'
Sam was also working as Clinic Manager for the Paris Psychology Centre and was in the final stages of her master's degree in Psychology, with hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist in the future - highlighting her unwavering desire to help people.
The fundraiser was initially set with a target of £4,000, the cost of a memorial bench as stated by the Canal and Rivers Trust.
However, within 24-hours, donations are just shy of reaching £6,000. You can visit the Just Giving page here.
"The target was smashed within hours we honestly couldn't believe it", George says.
MOST READ
"My sister Sam was one of a kind. She had a genuine heart of gold and so much love to give. She had a fearlessness about her—a passion and courage to do what she believed was right at any given time.
"She was always ready to help others—whether through her work with various charitable organisations or by supporting friends and family through their struggles. She often put others before herself.
"Her personality was amazing and she had friends all over the world from where she had worked and travelled, she seemed to impact every person she met."
"A truly beautiful soul, and one who will be so painfully missed by all of us who were close to her."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
3 days ago
- ITV News
Here's the very latest on Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid!
He's gone head to head with some of Chelsea's scariest Sloane's, has won multiple Guinness World Records in the This Morning studio, and even faced his fears in some terrifying Bushtucker Trials. But now, our very own Sam Thompson is taking on his toughest challenge yet as he's tasked with running and cycling for five days to transport the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in time for kick-off. Speaking before setting off on Monday, Sam said: 'I had no sleep last night, I'm absolutely terrified but I know I just need to keep my head in the game and remember why I'm doing this. 'It's all for Unicef and to raise as much money as possible, so I'm going to dig deep and get on with it, and look forward to a hot shower at the end.' We'll be following along with Sam on every step of his journey, so keep checking back to stay up to date with how he's getting on! Day One Sam's leaping out of his comfort zone and into his Lycra as he gets ready to hit the road, with his I'm A Celebrity … Unpacked co-host Joel Dommett joining him to help kick off the event! We sent Josie Gibson to meet up with him four hours into his journey to give him a boost and see how he's getting on! Sam raised more than £100,000 on his first day of a challenge that will see him run and cycle 260 miles in order to deliver the match ball for Soccer Aid 2025. On Monday, the 32-year-old set off from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium in London, the location of last year's charity match in aid of Unicef, and ran a full marathon before cycling a further 23 miles to reach Milton Keynes. Speaking at the day one finish line in Buckinghamshire, Sam said: 'Day one was terrifying. I can't believe I did it. I was so worried that no one would turn up for me, but as I started to approach the stadium and the finish line, I could hear the cheering. 'I started to get emotional. It means so much to me that people turned out. It's been tougher than I could have imagined and there were points when I was really struggling. 'I was in a lot of pain after the marathon, but before I started the bike I was checked over by the physio and medical team, just to make sure I was fit enough to carry on. 'I'm taking one step at a time, one pedal at a time, but I'm going to find a way to make it to the finish and stay focused on why I'm doing this. 'It's to raise as much money for Unicef as we can – to support the incredible work they do for children around the world. That's what this is all about.' Our very own Ben Shephard joined up with Sam for some of his cycling leg of the challenge and said: 'I think Sam is incredibly brave and courageous taking on a challenge like this. I've done some physical ultra-marathons and I know that it takes its toll. 'Mentally it's a really tough battle because for five days he's got to run five marathons then having finished, jump on the bike on top of that. 'What I know and love about Sam is his enthusiasm, his energy and his positivity and that is going to be tested to his absolute limit. 'He's going to have to draw on all of his experience of meeting the children in Guatemala that inspired him with their joy that got them through all sorts of really difficult things in their lives. 'Sam's got the biggest heart and despite the pain he's going to be going through, I can't wait to see him cross that finish line on Friday and get that ball to Old Trafford.' Day Two He's taking on his biggest challenge yet and we're going to be there for the ride. On day two of Sam Thompson's epic Match Ball Mission from Stamford Bridge to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, Chris Hughes joined him to see how he's getting on, and to find out about his injury. After a morning of torrential rain, spirits were low, but Sam received a much-needed boost from brother-in-law Ryan Libbey who joined him for an emotional afternoon cycle. Fans were out in force to cheer Sam along the way as he travelled from Stadium MK, Milton Keynes and through Towcester, Rugby, Coventry and Solihull, battling torrential rain and tough hill climbs. Determined to reach the day's finish line, Sam heroically pushed through a painful calf strain, and on advice from medical team stuck to two wheels to aid his recovery, before attempting to run to the finish line at Villa Park, Birmingham. Ryan said: 'I was so excited to see Sam and give him a big squeeze today. Sam is doing so incredibly well, I'm so proud of him. He's been up against it today with the weather and his injury, but to see the amount of money he has raised and the awareness he's bringing to UNICEF is an inspiration. Nothing about what he's doing, including the distance he cycled today, is easy, but he's so determined and I know he can do it. Let's get Sam across that finish line!' Day two saw total donations almost double to £198,922.66 so far! From today's finish line, Sam said: 'One of the toughest parts of the day was the weather conditions – that rain during the cycle was unbelievable. We were absolutely drenched, and my back was aching, but having Chris there kept me going." "I can cope with the bad conditions and the aches and pains, but my leg keeps letting me down. I was told at the last pitstop I could try and run the last few kilometres to test my leg and my recovery, so I cycled out the pitstop determined to make it as far as I could towards the stadium and tried to run into Villa Park. I'm going to ice my leg again tonight and see what tomorrow brings. 'If I have to get up at 4am every morning for the rest of the week to complete this, I will. I'm going to make it to Manchester by Friday. I am so grateful to everyone that has supported me already and donated – that's the one thing keeping going.' Day Three After battling against torrential downpours and a painful calf tear yesterday, we thought Sam could do with a bit of a boost, and there's nobody better than his best friend, Pete Wicks! Asking about Sam's injury, he said: 'It's not great, it's a real slow one but I just I've done the first 11.5km and the team has been amazing. I've read some of the messages and stuff online and they've just blown me away but then you [Pete] turned up and I cried again… I've got to stop crying.' Pete replied: 'There's a lot of tears but mate, I am so, so, so proud of you.' Sam revealed: 'I've torn it, I've torn the calf, which is awesome but after the first one [marathon] I was like I don't know how I'm gonna do this but we are on day three.' Back in the studio, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley had a very special announcement for Sam, that an anonymous donor will match the donations raised up to £500,000! Ben said: 'As you know, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation are already matching all of the donations up to five million pounds." Cat continued to say: 'But we have another extra special announcement to keep you going. Sam, are you listening? An anonymous donor has been so impressed by what you're doing, that they have decided to match all donations up to half a million quid. So, that means every pound donated to your 'Match Ball Mission' for Soccer Aid will now be tripled!' Ben said: 'So, that means every pound donated to your 'Match Ball Mission' for Soccer Aid will now be tripled, so if somebody donates £10 it becomes £30!' Pete, who was still beside Sam as he screamed with delight after hearing the news said: 'Every pound donated is gonna be tripled, so everyone who is watching, everyone who is following Sam's journey, get behind him, get behind him. Now is the time to donate!' For the full route and information on how to donate to UNICEF and Sam's Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid, visit Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission, airing in the lead up to Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Soccer Aid 2025 will take place on Sunday June 15, at Old Trafford, and will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Press and Journal
Lindsay Bruce: Sheila McDonald's tragic death shines spotlight on reality of Torry Raac scandal
The reality and the why behind our Trapped by Raac campaign has hit home in recent weeks. We recently lost one of our campaign stalwarts. Sheila McDonald, previously featured alongside husband George in our coverage, suffered a heart attack and died in the home she's been fighting to save. The couple had just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary and are among throngs of defiant homeowners standing their ground to get fair prices for their Raac-riddled homes. The retired pair have never missed a protest. They've attended every community meeting. Both George and Sheila's faces are even on our Trapped by Raac poster. They epitomise why we launched the campaign in the first place; Because every day, honest, hard-working people aren't able to enjoy their lives – or their retirements – while the injustice of Raac is quite literally hanging over their heads. So I felt it impossible to let her loss pass, without paying tribute to her, and to acknowledge the Sheila-shaped hole in her community. I dropped my phone when the text arrived from George to let me know Sheila had passed. Just days before, we carried a report from Torry doctor Adrian Crofton about the long-term impact stress is having on the hearts and minds of the good people of Balnagask. Less than a week earlier I saw Sheila at the White Cockade where I joked with her that she was 'Torry famous' when she held up a poster bearing her own image. And it wasn't even a fortnight since I'd sat in George and Sheila's living room listening to them speak about how they felt their fate had been decided by seemingly uncaring councillors, scrolling on their phones. Sheila told me that day that her blood pressure was 'through the roof'. No wonder, I thought. As news spread in Torry about Sheila's death at the start of May, I kept hearing the same remarks. 'She was so faithful to the Torry Community Raac Campaign.' The reality of that filled me with such sadness. The last 18 months of Sheila's life have been encased in Raac. 'I wish I'd never retired,' she told me, because she felt her beautiful home was no longer a place of peace. When we ask for signatures and support – this is why. The lived reality for the 500+ households in Balnagask who had the Raac crisis thrust upon them, is so far from peaceful. For many it's at times more of a living agony. Through no fault of their own. These are grandparents, aunts and uncles. They're mums and dads. They're someone's grown-up children, first-time buyers, newlyweds… They are grandchildren, widows, people with disabilities, single people, married, young, old, working and retired. All on the brink of losing it all. And so this week I want to make a call directly to those in decision-making positions. I've researched this issue. I know the history. I've witnessed the political to-ing and fro-ing, and I'm aware of the costs involved. I realise housing is devolved. And that the Raac homes were built before this current ACC administration. Honestly, if it's been written about Raac, I've probably read it. So I ask you, knowing all that, We NEED a collegiate response to this crisis. We NEED elected leaders to be both fair and compassionate. And we NEED those whose job it is to serve the people, to put those people first. As we gathered to celebrate the life of Sheila, It was clear her legacy will be as a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and a friend. She'll also be remembered, and will be much-missed as a tireless campaigner for those Trapped by Raac. I wonder if the legacies of Aberdeen City Council, and our national and UK governments will be similar? It's not too late to collegiately, creatively and compassionately do the right thing. People before politics, please. You can read the family announcement here.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
