Hospice fundraiser determined to smash £100k target

A Ruabon woman is on a mission to raise £100,000 for the hospice that cared for her husband.

Bethan Scott, who works for ScottishPower Energy Retail in Pentre Bychan, began fundraising for the hospice following the death of her beloved husband David (Dave) who lost his 18 month fight against cancer in August 2017 at the age of 53.

A conversation at Dave’s funeral was to kick-start Bethan’s fundraising journey, quite literally, when a friend mentioned that she would like to walk the Great Wall of China.

Bethan has already smashed £60k of her remarkable target and has a whole host of activities planned to help her reach her goal for Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham.

“It seemed like fate,” explained Bethan.

“No sooner had my friend Deirdre mentioned the Great Wall than an advert popped up on Facebook for a brand new challenge for Nightingale House – Walking the Great Wall of China.

“Dave was a super fit cyclist, runner, you name it he was ready for any adventure. The hospice had been an amazing support to him during his illness, primarily through day care and the use of the hydrotherapy pool, so it seemed fitting to take on this challenge in his memory.”

Bethan, her brother Geraint, along with Deirdre and her husband Neil joined 24 other fundraisers on The Great Wall in October 2018. The fab four exceeded their initial £25,000 target, raising £41,524 towards the group’s overall total of £93,000.

2019 is set to be another big year for Bethan, who has already taken part in the Village Bakery Half Marathon for Nightingale House so far this year – along with plans to raise funds in Dave’s memory with a sponsored climb up Ben Nevis in June with friends from ScottishPower, a memory walk in August, the Great North Run in September, the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, a Race Night in October, a Charity Golf Day plus much more.

She will also take part in an epic cycle 383km cycle from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia in November where she will be one of 22 hospice fundraisers.

Speaking about the Great Wall of China challenge, Bethan said: “It was the most incredible experience, topped off by being able to lay a brick in the Wall in memory of Dave. That was something very special. The friendships and memories made on that trip will last a lifetime.

“Taking on the challenge was a great focus for me and it’s certainly started something as I am now signed up for the hospice’s Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle in November this year and the Inca Trail for 2020.

“It’s a huge buzz not only taking on a personal challenge, but also knowing that all the money we raise will help to care for others who need the hospice. It’s really aided my recovery and I am determined to hit £100k.

“I know Dave would be very proud of his friends all pulling together to raise money. Our colleagues at Scottish Power have been brilliant and keep coming up with ideas to help.

Debbie Barton from Nightingale House Hospice said: “Bethan is a truly remarkable and inspiring lady. Her fundraising knows no bounds and we are so grateful for all her efforts for the hospice.

“It is obvious that Dave was a hugely popular figure among all who knew him as the goodwill towards Bethan’s fundraising with family and friends shows.

“Bethan’s enthusiasm for raising money really is infectious. As a hospice we are only here thanks to the support we receive from our community so we say an enormous thank you to each and every person who digs deep in whatever way to make this possible.

“We wish Bethan and all our Vietnam to Cambodia cyclists, who are each busy raising funds, every success on their challenge.”

Anyone wishing to support Bethan’s efforts can donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cycle4DRS

To donate to the Vietnam to Cambodia fundraising group visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/nhhvietnam2cambodia2019