Brave Barry Mum Rachel Degaetano, who is campaigning for a much-needed Suicide Support Centre in our town, has thanked our community for their outstanding help.
The support worker, who started Gobaith am Barri. following the death of her 21 year old son Chae to suicide in April 2015, has been overwhelmed by the friends, family and complete strangers who have stepped up.
She said: “With Christmas almost upon us and the New Year following up fast. I just want to wish all my friends and Family a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New year ahead.
I also want to take this chance to thank everyone who has supported my quest with Gobaith am Barri, from my hubby and my nearest and dearest for putting up with never seeing me, wiping my tears when I feel I’m not doing good enough, to the countless people who have volunteered, helped us out and donated raffle prizes.
To Nicola at the Jacob Abraham Foundation for showing me the way, Sue Vincent-Jones for being our PR, my sister Nina for her love of running, the fun run and Cardiff half, Jolene for her cycling, to Vicky for arranging Pen Y Fan climb, Mandy for the Barry 10k, Billy Bar for letting us hold the quiz night and their generous donations of raffles, to Vicky Nelson and all the staff at the Colcot Arms for choosing us as their chosen charity, to Gemma for the bracelets, Gill for finding the Coach House.
Soraya for your time and advice, Alison Woolcock for the work we shall do together in the New Year. To Lisa, my bestie for over *0 (ahem) years for simply being there, putting up with me, but most of all for never leaving me. Jodie for making sure I’m watered liberally with cider when needed. My work family for all your love and support.
And last but never least everyone who has supported us and donated over the last 11 months!! Thank you thank you thank you, you’re all flipping lush and I love you!!!”
Rachel, is now looking forward to the next big fundraiser before the grand opening of the Suicide Support Centre in January.
Do you fancy a quick dip…in the sea…in January? Then get your trunks on and join us for the New Years Day Swim. Please wade in, come and watch, donate, and/or get involved.
The annual swim at Barry Island has been re-branded the Ty Hafan New Year’s Day Swim, although the event is open to all.
Rachel added: “All are welcome to brace the New Year sea for Gobaith am Barri. The former organiser of the public wwim has ‘handed’ this event over to Ty Hafan – a brilliant and well-deserved Charity whom we all support, of course.
We would just rather swim for suicide support this year, and as it’s not compulsory to only be able to swim on New Years Day for one cause only, I’m sure there’s enough room for both of us.”
To make a donation for the Suicide Support Swim please click here.
Or you can make donation to Gobaith am Barri at any time through the official Charity Bank Account. The Sort Code is 30-90-89 and the Account Number is 37688168.
Gemma Stauber is also generously donating £5 for every Sterling Silver Butterfly Bracelet she sells to Gobaith am Barri.
Check out the beautiful bracelet on her website.
And, finally, to end the year on a high, Gobaith am Barri, have been nominated as Charity of the Year in the Bro Radio Community Awards.
These close very shortly, so don’t delay, nominate here today!
Thank you.
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a community activist, Sue was an integral part of the Gobaith Campaign for a much-needed Barry Suicide Support Centre. She was Media Lead, and Communications Advisor, for the Group who have now merged with CUBE.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.