20 Oct 2014

When Royal Mint employee Daniela Jones learnt to swim two years ago, little did she know that she would be competing in – and completing – the Pencoed Novice Triathlon just two years later, in aid of Tŷ Hafan, the family hospice for young lives.

Spurred on by competition from two of her friends, Daniela, from North Cornelly, Bridgend, took part in the 400m swim, followed by a 17km circular cycle route, and finally a 3km run to complete her first ever triathlon, raising over £270 for the South Wales-based children’s charity.

Daniela, 41, had never been keen on learning to swim, but decided to do so as a role model for her two young boys. She soon found that she loved it. “I was hooked!”

“I was so impressed with the invaluable work that Tŷ Hafan carries out in support of children and their families that I wanted to do something to contribute. I found that I was able to fit my training around my normal life, swimming twice a week, running twice a week and on the weekend I’d go for a bike ride.”

It turned out to be a tougher test than expected for Daniela, who not only faced the challenge of the triathlon itself, but had to contend with a bicycle breakdown two kilometres in to the cycling leg of the race, meaning that she had to complete the circuit using only one gear which slowed her down considerably.  Undeterred, Daniela finished the experience in high spirits, saying “I’ll try again next year with a new bike and a better attitude!”

Tŷ Hafan, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, provides comfort, care and support to   life-limited children and their families throughout Wales.  The charity takes its support right into the family home and is there to help families through every step of their unimaginable journey. For Tŷ Hafan to offer this unique service completely free of charge to families in Wales, it has to raise more than £3.7 million every year.

Employees from The Royal Mint in Llantrisant chose to champion Tŷ Hafan as their ‘Charity of the Year’ after hearing about the work of the children’s hospice. They will have the opportunity to support the charity as volunteers through The Royal Mint’s ‘Give a Day’ corporate community day scheme, or  take part in Tŷ Hafan’s planned fundraising events.

Wendy Collie, Business and Community Fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan said “We’re delighted that The Royal Mint employees have been so enthusiastic in supporting the Tŷ Hafan cause with this partnership. It’s a great opportunity for them to gain an insight into the support, comfort and care we offer families at Tŷ Hafan.”

Staff from The Royal Mint previously raised nearly £25,000 for the Cardiff-based leading national cancer charity, Cancer Research Wales after it was chosen as The Royal Mint’s ‘Charity of the Year’ partner two years ago.