Blaenwaun woman honours daughters’ memory with emotional fundraising walk
A BLAENWAUN woman has raised more than £2,500 for the maternity bereavement room at Glangwili Hospital after completing the gruelling British Three Peaks Challenge in memory of her twin daughters.
Kimberley Davies raised an impressive £2,620 by climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa over three days in September, alongside her close friend Carrie. The challenge took place on what would have been the twins’ due date, adding deep personal significance to the journey.
Kimberley sadly lost her daughters, Sophie and Lara, earlier this year and undertook the challenge both to support the labour ward at Glangwili and to raise awareness of baby loss, an issue she says is still not talked about enough.
The final climb of Yr Wyddfa was made even more poignant as Kimberley and Carrie were joined by around 30 family members and friends, ranging in age from just eight to 81, all walking in memory of Sophie and Lara.
Reflecting on the challenge, Kimberley said the weather made each mountain particularly demanding. Ben Nevis brought freezing temperatures and strong winds, while heavy rain on Scafell Pike created treacherous conditions and dangerous river crossings. Yr Wyddfa, the final ascent, was marked by poor visibility, driving rain and high winds.
“Despite all that, it was incredibly emotional to see so many people wanting to climb in memory of Sophie and Lara,” she said.
Kimberley explained that her motivation was not only fundraising, but also to shine a light on the realities of pregnancy loss.
“Many people experience the loss of their babies, but sadly it’s not spoken about,” she said. “After losing my twin daughters due to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, I needed something positive to focus on while grieving for the future I thought I was going to have.”
The money raised will be used to enhance the ‘Pili Pala’ bereavement room at Glangwili Hospital, funding items that go beyond NHS core provision and helping to create a more comforting space for families experiencing loss.
Kimberley paid tribute to the staff who supported her during her time on the labour ward. “The compassion shown by the medical team was phenomenal,” she said. “They really should be so proud of the work they do. Their kindness made an unbearable time a little easier.”
She added: “This challenge was my way of saying thank you. I hope the funds raised will help other families who, sadly, find themselves going through the same heartbreak.”
Kimberley also thanked everyone who supported her, including donors, her friend Carrie who completed all three climbs, and the family and friends who joined the Yr Wyddfa walk.
Midwife Anwen Evans praised the effort, saying: “We are extremely thankful to Kim, her family and friends for taking on such an incredible challenge so soon after her heartbreaking loss. Facing such difficult weather makes it even more remarkable. The money raised will bring comfort to many families during their darkest moments.”
Further information about supporting local NHS services through Hywel Dda Health Charities can be found on their website.
