Vale of Clwyd MS, Gareth Davies, has praised the contribution of the League of Friends at Glan Clwyd Hospital following a recent visit to meet volunteers at the long-established charity.
The League of Friends was founded in 1974, and has been dedicated to supporting patients, staff, and services at the hospital for more than half a century. The hospital opened in 1980, but the League of Friends had been established for 6 years at that point and had already raised half a million pounds for the hospital on its opening
Over the past 50 years, the group has raised just shy of £8 million, funding vital hospital equipment, treatment chairs, and providing countless comforts for patients and families. £200,000 donated by the League of Friends last year and reinvested back into the hospital.
The League’s presence at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is well known to generations of visitors. Its hospital shop and tea bar not only provide refreshments and friendly conversation but also generate funds that are reinvested directly back into the hospital.
Today, more than 100 volunteers give their time to the charity, with many having dedicated decades of service.
Among the volunteers Gareth met was 91-year-old Heulwyn Caldecott, who this year marks 35 years of volunteering and has been recognised nationally with the Medal of Mercy for her exceptional contribution.
The League of Friends continues to look to the future, with plans to expand their work in the hospital’s Emergency Department and other units, ensuring that patients and families benefit not just from medical care but also from the kindness and compassion of community volunteers, and those who donate.
Commenting following the visit, Gareth Davies MS said:
“It was a privilege to meet the League of Friends and hear about their incredible history of service to Glan Clwyd Hospital and the wider community.
“The dedication of the volunteers, many of whom have given decades of their lives to supporting patients and families, is truly inspiring.
“I want to encourage local people to consider volunteering with the League of Friends as their work makes a real difference, and it’s a fantastic way to give back to our local hospital, and is motivating to see the proceeds go to good use.”
