FAMILIES being supported by a children's hospice are backing two 'dark runs' taking place this Autumn.

The family-friendly Dark Runs raise money for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith. Competitors can wear fancy dress, wave large flashing glow sticks and choose to run, walk or even dance. 

This year, joining the RSPB Conwy event, will be another hosted at National Trust property Penrhyn Castle, near Bangor.

Everyone who takes part in the October events will get a medal and goody bag.

Families from Conwy and Anglesey have helped launch the events. Both have first-hand experience of the valuable work that Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith do; both have a child who benefits from respite stays at the hospices.

North Wales Pioneer: Cassi and mum Alys Howell at the beautiful Penrhyn Castle.Cassi and mum Alys Howell at the beautiful Penrhyn Castle. (Image: Submitted)

Cassi Howell, 14, from Dwyran, Anglesey has a very rare progressive neuro muscular disease Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) and needed surgery to straighten her legs to allow her the best chance of walking properly again.

The surgery took place in February 2021 and Cassi has since been supported in her recovery with respite care at Tŷ Gobaith.

Cassi's mum Alys said: “It’s such a wonderful place. Knowing that our child is being cared for by skilled people who want to be there gives us such great peace of mind.

“It allows us to switch off and focus on doing normal things with our son, Tomos.”

The Coxon family whose nine year old son Oliver attends Tŷ Gobaith are supporting the RSPB Conwy event.

Dad Stewart said: “Without Tŷ Gobaith we’d be totally lost – we’d have no respite at all.

“Oliver had to have a double hip operation last year and we have no hoists or specialist equipment at home.

“We were able to stay as a family and have the expert care of the staff on hand 24/7.

“They’re amazing, and we’re happy to support this great fundraising event for everything they do for Oliver and us.”

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Rhian Cahill, Visitor Experience and Operations Manager for the National Trust, said: “We’re excited to be welcoming the Dark Run to Penrhyn Castle and to be supporting the wonderful work Tŷ Gobaith do.

“Penrhyn Parkrun, who run this route every Saturday are helping us to provide the best possible experience for our Dark Runners.

“As a dark skies reserve, Penrhyn Castle is still a fantastic place to be even after the sun sets and we can’t wait to share this experience with the wider public.”

Andy Everley, Conwy event organiser, said: "We’re thrilled to announce the return of our highly anticipated Conwy Dark Run for its second year.

“On October 28, we extend a warm invitation for you to participate by running, walking, or jogging in support of seriously ill local children, as we illuminate Conwy Castle and follow 5k RSPB park run route."

Principality Building Society is generously match-funding the sponsorship money raised at each of the four events up to £12,500; there are also 'Dark Runs' at Chirk Castle and Telford Town Park. 

Registration is £10 per adult and £5 per child (under 16 years) and are available at www.hopehouse.org.uk/events