A Barry family is getting ready to glow up – literally! – and have some spooktacular fun for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice and is urging others to do the same.

The Spence family have been supported by Tŷ Hafan ever since 2009 after son David, 15, was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart condition.

Mum Kerry says that without the help of the iconic Welsh hospice charity they would not have been able to cope with the many huge challenges that they face every day thanks to David’s condition.

Now they are getting ready to do Tŷ Hafan’s new Barry Island Dark Run on Friday 13 October to raise vital funds for the hospice and are encouraging as many other people from the area to sign up for the all-new fun run fundraiser too.

“We love the opportunity to get dressed up and have some fun so Tŷ Hafan’s new Dark Run is perfect for us,” says Kerry, a teaching assistant. “You don’t have to run it – you can walk is you want to, or jog. The choice is yours and it’s all about having a great time with friends and family while raising money for a brilliant local charity.

“When I was pregnant with David, at the 20 week scan we found out that he had a heart defect. At six days old he had his first lot of open heart surgery, more at 6 months old and again aged two-and-a-half. David has also had multiple other surgeries to support his condition.

“He has had horrendous complications, he needs dialysis, he’s had multiple strokes and has developed epilepsy, and he has learning difficulties. He has just been through so much.”

Dave has been supported by Anna, Tŷ Hafan’s specialist Play Therapist, using play to help him to manage his emotions and experiences.

“To give David those opportunities to be able to explain himself and understand himself is vital,” says Kerry. “The support we all get from Tŷ Hafan has had a massive impact on all of us – me, David, his little sister Immie and dad Gavin too. We would be lost without it.”

James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising at Tŷ Hafan, said: “Barry Island Dark Run is a brilliant new opportunity for family and friends to get dressed up, get together and have a great evening out while you’ll be helping to raise funds to support Tŷ Hafan’s work with children with life-shortening conditions and their families who live in your local area, and beyond.

“Plus we are thrilled that Principality Building Society have pledged to match-fund Barry Island Dark Run for Tŷ Hafan up to £12,500 which is amazing!

“Sign up for this amazing event and you’ll get to glow up and experience some of the most iconic features Barry Island in the dark!

“Our epic 2.5k seaside fun run will take you out towards Nell’s Point and then back along the promenade where there will be music and entertainment to spur you on to. the finish line.

“Everyone who takes part will get a free large glowstick and a glow in the dark medal. And don’t forget that thanks to our friends at Principality Building Society, whatever you raise through sponsorship will be doubled. What’s not to love about that?

“Spaces are filling quickly though, so to make sure you don’t miss out, go to https://www.tyhafan.org/events/barrydarkrun/ to sign up now.”