£1,500 raised for A&E, ICU and Rhiannon Ward after six-week hospital stay
A LOCAL mum has raised £1,500 for Bronglais Hospital after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon as a way of giving back to the teams who helped save her life.
Ceri Bonner ran the 13.1-mile race in October 2025, raising funds for Rhiannon Ward, the Critical Care Unit (ICU), and the Accident and Emergency department at Bronglais Hospital.
Her fundraising effort followed a serious illness in August 2024, when she was rushed to A&E with severe pancreatitis.
Ceri spent six weeks in hospital, including time in ICU and on Rhiannon Ward, separated from her family and her baby daughter, who was just nine months old at the time.
Speaking about her motivation, Ceri said: “I decided to run the Cardiff Half Marathon to challenge myself and to give something back to Bronglais Hospital. I needed three operations in total which left me so weak and barely able to walk, running was far off.
“This is why I needed something to challenge myself and work towards. I slowly got stronger and fitter and enjoyed every second of running the Cardiff Half Marathon for the most amazing team of people who got me well again and home to my family.”
Ceri said she chose to split the money raised between the three departments that treated her, praising the staff for their care and dedication.
“I had the most amazing care from Rhiannon Ward, ICU and A&E at Bronglais Hospital and decided to split my fundraising amount between these three wards. Each ward gave me the most outstanding care,” she said.
She also thanked those who donated through her JustGiving page, adding: “I was lucky to have so many kind and generous donations – it really helped with the training. I enjoyed everything about this experience.
“I would like to thank everyone at Bronglais Hospital who took such good care of me.”
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, praised Ceri’s determination and generosity.
She said: “A huge thank you to the incredible Ceri Bonner, who conquered the Cardiff Half Marathon. Her strength, determination and kindness have helped raise a fantastic amount for Rhiannon Ward, ICU and A&E.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
For more information on how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.
