Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Ystrad Mynach Park Fundraiser returned for the third time on Sunday, raising £1,000 for multiple charities – despite some rides and a hot dog van not turning up.

Child autism and disability groups Sparrows ALN and Valley Daffodils each received a cheque for £500 after a successful event, despite the no-show.

Originally set up in 2017 by Rhiannon Stone, who is now a Labour community councillor in Tir y Berth, the fundraiser was in aid of a much-loved children’s playground which was torched by vandals.

Asked how the day went, Rhiannon said: “It was gutting when the funfair didn’t show up. We had a bit of a meltdown.

“Due to an accident one of the vendors suffered, the funfair was left short with one hour to spare.

“They were set to bring two rides and a hotdog van. We had to delay the opening by half an hour as we knocked on every toy shop door in the town and asked them to bring what they could.

With the 1,500 or so people in attendance also bringing what they could, Rhiannon said they “had enough toys to fill a field” and added: “It was a great day”.

Unfortunately due to the funfair situation, it meant that the money raised wasn’t quite as high as initially targeted. Rhiannon said that despite that, both charities were “thrilled” to receive the money.

Deborah Lloyd, founder of Sparrows ALN, said: “We’re thinking this money will go towards our annual Halloween parties. We have two so all the kids can get involved.

“This money is huge for us as we don’t receive lots of funding. I can’t thank Rhiannon and everyone else who helped enough.”

Rhiannon concluded: “It’s great to see such a community effort, especially when supporting smaller charities that don’t receive regular funding.

“We will choose another charity for next year’s show, with a three-day event pencilled in for Spring 2024.”

Kerry Hooper, founder of Valley Daffodils, said: “We’re very grateful for such a kind donation. We’re a newly-registered charity so the money can be spent on a whole range of things.

“We host 25 to 30 people on any given session and there’s always more people wanting to get involved.”