A FAMILY from Barry are taking part in a charity run to say thank you to the hospice which helped them when their son was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart condition.
Kerry Spence, found out at 20 weeks pregnant her son David had a heart defect and at six weeks old, he had his first open-heart surgery.
He then required further surgery at six months old and at two and a half years old and other surgery to support his condition.
She said: “When I was pregnant with David, at the 20 weeks scan we found out that he had a heart defect.
“At six days old he had his first lot of open-heart surgery, more at six months old and again aged two-and-a-half. David has also had multiple other surgeries to support his condition.
“He has had horrendous complications, he needs dialysis, he’s had multiple strokes and has developed epilepsy, and he has learning difficulties. He has just been through so much.”
Since 2009 they have been supported by Anna, Ty Hafans specialist Play Therapist, using play to help manage emotions and experiences.
Now they are taking part in the charity's Barry Island dark Run-on Friday, October 13 to raise money for the hospice.
She added: “To give David those opportunities to be able to explain himself and understand himself is vital on all of us – me, David, his little sister Immie and dad Gavin too. We would be lost without it.”
The family want to encourage others from the area to sign up for the all-new fun run fundraiser.
She added: “We love the opportunity to get dressed up and have fun, so Ty Hafan’s new Dark Run is perfect for us.
“You don’t have to run it, you can walk if you want to, or jog. The choice is yours and it's all about having a great time with friends and family while raising money for a brilliant local charity.”
James Davies Hale, head of fundraising at Ty Hafan said: “Barry Island Dark Run is a brilliant new opportunity for family and friends to get dressed up, get together, and have a great evening out.
“You will be helping to raise funds to support Tŷ Hafan’s work with children with life-shortening conditions and their families who live in your local area, and beyond.”
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