*UPDATE* 

The ladies absolutely rocked this challenge and the sun shone down on them throughout the day! I've added some photos to the album so you can see them on the water. As a family, this day meant the world to us - we really did feel quite alone and helpless in the summer but, my goodness, the generosity and goodwill and compassion shown for Gwilym has really blown us away. Thank you so so much everyone who has donated. 

You all even made the headlines! :) 

https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-10-02/six-take-on-dawn-to-dusk-challenge-to-raise-funds-for-boy-with-cerebral-palsy

*ORIGINAL POST*

As the first fundraising event for the 'Go Go Gwilym' campaign, we wanted to set ourselves a real challenge to honour Gwilym's strength, determination and sense of fun.  

Mi, Jo, Amanda, Kath, Jay, Mel and Abi will be paddling around Langland Bay for one full day - literally DAWN UNTIL DUSK! That’s a lot of paddling! We will be working as a team to make sure that at least one or two of us remain on the water at all times, and of course, to ensure safety. 

You can donate through this site or text 'GOGOGWILYM' to 70560 to donate £5. (Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message)

Please donate to encourage us in our training and preparation. Send words of encouragement our way too if you see us in the water before the day itself. We're grateful to Jim from ‘Penguin Recruitment’ for sponsoring our rash vests which will allow everyone in the bay to spot us.  The 'Dawn til Dusk' paddle event will happen one day near the start of October - all dependent on the weather.  

Why are we doing this? We want to help Gwilym, a colleague's son who has just started preparing for an important spinal operation. 

5yo Gwilym is currently smashing his physiotherapy - he's working hard and making real progress in each session. Because of his Cerebral Palsy, it's important Gwilym receives physiotherapy and remains as active as possible throughout his life. He currently needs to access more intensive Strength & Conditioning physiotherapy to help prepare him for spinal surgery, which unfortunately isn't available on the NHS. Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is the only procedure that offers permanent improvement for children with Cerebral Palsy but it needs to be completed at a young age. Gwilym is working hard to get fighting fit for this operation. 

Take a look at www.treeofhope.org.uk/go-go-gwilym to read more about Gwilym's journey and his goals. You can also follow his physiotherapy progress on Instagram (@gogogwilym).

Thank you so much for supporting us!