A WOMAN is set to take on a fundraising challenge in memory of her father, a year on from him passing away.
Ania Jones and her partner Jay Andrews, who live in Hawarden in Flintshire, are planning on walking 59,000 steps later this month, on what would be her father Keith's 59th birthday.
Keith Jones, of Llandegfan, died last April after a 16 week battle with lung cancer.
Due to covid restrictions at the time, Ania and her sisters were unable to visit him.
Ania described her dad as 'a real character' and a 'real family man' whose favourite things in life included his wife, Wales rugby, Liverpool FC, whiskey, woodwork, mountains and wildlife.
A year on and Ania is taking on the challenge of walking 59,000 steps, trying to raise money for the Alaw Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, who cared for her father before his death.
Ania said: "Losing Dad after a short 16 week battle with cancer was painful enough, but not being able to be with him due to covid restrictions was unbearable. Even before he went into hospital, me and my two sisters were unable to visit him at home as he was in the high risk category during treatment. It was a very difficult time for us all as a family.
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"The staff at Alaw Ward, Ysbyty Gwynedd were incredible throughout. My Mum, Siân, had previously worked on the ward for 13 years and understood the pressure staff were under, even before Covid.
"We were reassured knowing that such a great group of professionals were giving him the best care possible, and will always be grateful to them.
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"Although the bigger charities help thousands of people with the life-changing treatment and support they provide, national fundraising often misses out the less known areas of support which mean so much to patients and their family.
"I know that all funds raised will go to good use and hopefully help other patients and their families in some way."
Ania and Jay plan to tackle Snowdon for sunrise which requires a 3am start, on April 29, before returning to Hawarden to complete some local routes with friends and family to complete the step count.
A GoFundMe page has been set up, with over £400 raised in just over a week. To see the page, click here.
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