May 29, 2026 - 157 views
A team of staff from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai are preparing to push themselves to the limit this summer as they take on a gruelling charity relay challenge to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Eleven members of staff from across the group will take part in the Coast-to-Care Relay on July 2 and 3, testing both their physical and mental endurance in aid of the two hospitals.
The challenge will begin with participants running four miles every four hours over a 48-hour period before taking on an exhausting 82-mile overnight relay from Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Among those taking part are work-based learning staff, examinations officers, wellbeing coordinators and higher education staff from across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
Jenny Davies, Staff Wellbeing Coordinator, said every donation would help motivate the team through the difficult challenge ahead.
“Every donation, big or small, will be helping other people and that’s a great motivator,” she said.
“I love running trails but the road is a bit of a challenge for me, so I am glad of the motivation, and the positive attitude of my teammates.”
Chris Hughes said he was looking forward to taking part and described the fundraiser as a challenge too good to turn down.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the team on the day,” he said. “Training has been going well and I chose to take part because I love a challenge for such a worthy cause.”
Owain Evans said the hospitals chosen for the fundraiser had supported many people across the region.
“I am proud to join the team to support Ysbyty Gwynedd and Alder Hey, two organisations that have provided support to a large number of people in the area,” he said.
Months of preparation have already gone into the event, with runners building stamina and overcoming injuries along the way.
Klare Holland-Jones described her training as a “dual mission” of pushing herself personally while raising money for hospitals which have helped many of her loved ones.
Reflecting on her progress, she said she had gone “from 5k to 16 miles” during training and was determined to “go the extra mile” for the cause.
Gethin Jones, meanwhile, has had to manage a calf injury while preparing for the relay but said supporting the charities made taking part a “no-brainer”.
“My training is going ok, but I had to ease up over the last couple of weeks as I have pulled my calf muscle,” he said.
“Fortunately it is healing well and I’ve kept going by often running with my daughter in her buggy at Rhos Parkrun.”
Liz Hughes said the challenge was insignificant compared to what many families face when dealing with childhood illness.
“I want to use this to support children and families who face challenges far greater than any training run,” she said.
“If my part in this journey helps Ysbyty Gwynedd and Alder Hey even a little, then every step is worth it.”
The team is now appealing for public support as they continue preparations for the relay challenge next month.
