Pupils and staff at Ysgol Bro Gwydir in Llanrwst are once again getting behind St David’s Hospice, continuing a fundraising relationship that has already raised thousands of pounds to support local hospice care.
The school has signed up to take part in this year’s St David’s Hospice Mini Santa Dash, bringing pupils together for some festive fun while raising money for patients and families across North West Wales.
It is the latest chapter in a special relationship between Ysgol Bro Gwydir and St David’s Hospice, with the school having raised well over £10,000 through its fundraising efforts over the years.
Their support is also deeply personal. Some years ago, a much-loved colleague from the school was cared for at St David’s Hospice before sadly passing away. That experience strengthened the school community’s connection with the Hospice and the care it provides to local people and their families.
Since then, pupils, staff and families have continued to show their support through a variety of fundraising activities.
Learning through giving
For Ysgol Bro Gwydir, fundraising is not only about raising money. It has also become an opportunity to teach pupils about empathy, community and the importance of helping others.
Sioned Hughes, Deputy Head at Ysgol Bro Gwydir, said:
“Taking part has been a hugely positive experience for both our pupils and staff. It’s helped our children develop empathy, responsibility, and community spirit.
“These activities offer valuable opportunities for pupils to learn about giving back and supporting those in need, strengthening teamwork and creativity through fun events.”
The school has previously supported St David’s Hospice through activities including the Santa Dash and £25 Challenge, alongside other fundraising initiatives.
Sioned added:
“Each event becomes a chance to share the Hospice’s mission. Many pupils now understand what a hospice does and how important end-of-life care and family support can be.
“It’s been eye-opening and meaningful for our school community to learn about this vital work.”
Supporting a cause close to the school’s heart
For the pupils, the events bring plenty of excitement, but behind the festive costumes and fundraising challenges is an important message.
St David’s Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, while also supporting families and loved ones during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
The school’s connection to that care is one of the reasons its support has continued year after year.
Sioned said:
“We support St David’s Hospice because of the incredible work it does within our local community. Many of our families and staff have been personally touched by the care and support offered.”
Through their fundraising, the pupils are helping ensure that same care remains available to other local families when they need it.
Santa hats at the ready
Ysgol Bro Gwydir will now be getting ready to take part in the St David’s Hospice Mini Santa Dash once again this Christmas.
The event gives schools the chance to create their own festive Santa Dash while raising money for local hospice care, bringing pupils together for a fun activity with a meaningful purpose behind it.
Over the years, Ysgol Bro Gwydir has shown just how much a school community can achieve when pupils, staff and families come together behind a cause that matters to them.
Their continued support is helping St David’s Hospice care for local patients and families today, while also teaching a new generation about kindness, compassion and the difference they can make within their own community.
A huge thank you to everyone at Ysgol Bro Gwydir for once again putting on their Santa hats and supporting St David’s Hospice this Christmas.
Join the Mini Santa Dash this Christmas
Inspired by Ysgol Bro Gwydir?
Schools, nurseries and youth groups across North Wales can sign up for the St David’s Hospice Mini Santa Dash 2026 and bring some festive fun to their community while supporting local hospice care.
Registration is free, and your Mini Santa Dash can take place at your own setting on a date that suits you between 1 and 25 December 2026.
