£25,300 raised for Prince Philip Hospital Gardens Appeal

The event, organised by cousins Lowri Elen Jones, 20, from Peniel, and Lisa Ann Evans, 22, from Llangybi, was held in June at Bronwydd Hall, Carmarthen.

The total sum includes a £1,000 match funding donation from Barclays, thanks to the support of its business banking employee, Heather Price.

The cousins were inspired to raise money for the appeal because their grandfather, Hywel Griffiths, was a patient on the Bryngolau Ward, a 15-bed older adult mental health unit.

Miss Jones said: "This worthy cause is very close to our hearts as a family.

"We decided to hold a ball to raise money for the appeal to show our appreciation and gratitude to the ward.

"My grandfather is an ex-farmer, so he is used to all the fresh air and being out in all weather.

"Back in August 2023, he got moved to Bryngolau Ward.

"Knowing that the outdoor area wasn't suitable for the patients was disappointing, bearing in mind how important vitamin D is to our mental health, let alone to a patient that is in care to improve their mental health.

"These gardens will benefit all patients on the ward whatever their background."

The ball tickets sold out in less than a week after release, to the amazement of Miss Jones and Miss Evans.

Miss Jones added: "Lisa and I were overwhelmed with the amount of interest and support we received from friends.

"We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone, including all the local businesses, who supported the event and made it such a success.

"We are absolutely thrilled by the amount we raised."

Tara Nickerson, fundraising manager at Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: "We’ve been blown away by Lowri and Lisa’s fundraising for the appeal and we want to say a huge thank you to them for their incredible hard work and dedication, and to everyone who attended and supported the event.

"The fantastic total raised by the ball will be a huge boost for the appeal, and we are now even closer to reaching our target."