Walking the Welsh 3 Peaks

This is a joint fundraising effort for two incredible local Children's Hospices that provide palliative and respite care for children in South Wales and SW England. Both have provided (and continue to provide) incredible support for Family Wickham and Family Spiers.

A team of us aim to climb three lofty welsh peaks Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Cadair Idris and Pen Y Fan in less than 24hrs. This will be an epic journey, involving over 2500m of ascent, a lot of navigation in the dark and potentially some very exciting weather! Our aim is to raise as much as we can to support two local charities very close to our hearts.

Dewi Wickham was born 7th August 2024. A difficult labour meant that he was born not responsive and required resuscitation. He was diagnosed with severe Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) - globally brain damaged. He was expected to pass away from his injury and was transferred to Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice for end of life care. Ty Hafan provided a safe space for our other young children to try to process the situation and spend some precious moments together.

Fast forward to now and Dewi is still with us, much to the surprise of his doctors. He has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is registered blind as a result of his brain injury. His epilepsy has been particularly challenging and his medications are numerous to try and curb it. He will require full time support and care for his entire life. Ty Hafan have been there every step of the way and provide an incredible amount of support to Dewi, his sisters (Mali and Cadi) and to Mum and Dad (Hannah and Craig). The support that they have provided include things like weekly physiotherapy sessions for Dewi, respite care for the family to enjoy some down time, counselling to Mum and Dad and super sibling groups.

Hugh Spiers passed away in June 2022, aged four, after bravely battling T-Cell Acute lymphoblastic Leukaemia.  His treatment over the course of one year involved chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant, all of which he took in his stride.  Hugh remained joyful and full of energy throughout all the massive challenges faced during his treatment. Hugh spent his final days surrounded by family in the safe and happy environment of Charlton Farm Hospice, North Somerset. This facility is run by Children's Hospice SW and has provided incredible support for Angus, Katy and Jamie (Hugh's big brother, Mum and Dad). This allowed the family to make the most of every precious minute with their beautiful and brave little Hugh.