#KeepPowysSafe - Supporting our Community Fundraisers

Supporters looking to set up their own fundraising initiatives or donate to support the NHS in Powys can now do so online at the click of a button. 

The news also comes on the back of Powys Teaching Health Board appointing a new Charity Manager, Abe Sampson, in April 2020. The role is a first for the Health Board as it looks to take the charity to another level. 

 

Speaking about the new page, the Charity Manager said: 

 

"We’ve seen some overwhelming generosity from the Powys community over the past few weeks. With the new Just Giving page, we’re making it easier than ever for our supporters to donate and raise money for a cause that is very dear to them. 

 

"Every penny that is donated can and will make a huge difference for NHS staff, volunteers and patients. Now more than ever, it is crucial to protect the health and wellbeing of our community."

 

The Charity was keen to stress that there is much more to come in 2020, with plans to widen its scope and impact at what is a vital time for the NHS.

 

Speaking in support of the launch, Professor Vivienne Harpwood, the Chair of the Powys Teaching Health Board said:

 

‘"The PTHB Charity has an important role to play in supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of Powys communities. Bringing the Charity to new platforms such as Just Giving, is part of a broader vision for a more connected and accessible support network for our staff, volunteers and patients. We are committed to delivering that ambitious vision and I am excited to see the PTHB Charity scale up to support it."

 

Several keen supporters have already set up their own community fundraising initiatives for the charity via Just Giving. One of these is the ‘Shane Davies Memorial Pose’, set up by Rachel Hughes.

 

The fundraiser is a continuation of an annual tradition for Rachel, who said: 

 

"On the 17th May we should have been having our annual Shane Davies Memorial Tractor Run. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus we have had to cancel. We have decided to still raise money this year by getting people to take a photo with their tractor and donating to our Just Giving page.

 

"We chose to support PTHB Charity as everyone is doing a remarkable job and we wanted to show some appreciation."

Those looking to support the initiative are being encouraged to take a picture with their tractor (real or prop) and use the hashtag #shanedaviesmemorial on Twitter.

 

Della Powell has also created a fundraising campaign for PTHB Charity, using her creative skills to galvanise the community in support of the NHS. Together with her mother, she is making knitted healthcare heroes for each donor to her campaign.

 

Asked why she chose to support the charity, Della said:

 

"I’m a Powys Teaching Health Board nurse and I see first-hand staff and volunteers going the extra mile for patients. I love it. I’m so happy to help contribute to the wellbeing of staff and patients through PTHB Charity. We are all in this together."

Both of these initiatives are following in the footsteps of a hugely successful challenge fundraiser by Llanidloes RFC earlier in the month. The rugby club came up with the idea of running the distance to Derval in France (Llanidloes’ twin town), 1400miles in 14 days to raise £1400 for PTHB Charity.

 

The members managed to beat both their mile and donation targets in just 14 days. Speaking about what inspired them, Dai Higgs, one of the challenge’s organisers said:

 

"We saw this as a great opportunity to not only engage Llanidloes RFC members but the wider community, helping them connect, give them a focus and maybe help their wellbeing a little. The response was amazing with over 80 members running/walking 2680miles in 14 days and raising over £1400 for PTHB.

 

"I would just like to personally thank everyone who gave their time or money for this cause."

 

The Llanidloes RFC team we're following in the footsteps of Newtown RFC whose members Luke Orehawa and Bob Jones who joined the Ryan Jones 100 challenge in April.

More information on the fundraisers and how to donate can be found on the PTHB Just Giving page. Anyone looking to start their own challenge or discover how they can support the PTHB Charity should reach out on Twitter or get in touch with the Charity.