24-hour charity fundraiser in memory of lost loved ones

A community will get together this weekend to raise money in memory of loved ones lost in 2021.

A 24-hour fundraising challenge will be held at Machen Rugby Club between Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 in memory of Machen residents Robin Bignell, who passed away aged 57 after suffering a cardiac arrest, and Becky Littlewood, who died aged 45 with cancer.

The money raised will be donated to both the British Heart Foundation and Velindre Cancer Centre.

The challenge, which will see around 70 participants walk, run or scoot 2km every two hours in the space of a 24-hour period, has been organised by Robin’s 23-year-old daughter Sophie Bignell, alongside family and friends.

Sophie said: “2021 has been a difficult year for many, even more so for those who have lost loved ones.

“We think it is only fitting to try and give something back in memory of them.”

She added: “Both dad and Beck were huge characters within the community, who brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

“Our aim, along with a team of friends and family members is to run, walk and scoot around our local playing fields 2km every two hours for 24 hours to raise money for two charities very close to our hearts – The British Heart Foundation and Velindre. We have organised some local bands to play, a bake sale and a raffle – so fingers crossed it will be a busy weekend.

“We would like to thank our community for all their generous donations to help fund our raffle in addition to those who are going to complete the challenge with us on the day and those who have already donated.”

Jayne Lewis, fundraising manager for British Heart Foundation Cymru, said: “We are very grateful to Robin and Becky’s family and friends for organising this inspirational challenge at this very difficult time, supporting two very important causes.

“We always appreciate the efforts of anyone who chooses to fundraise in support of our life-saving research, but when an event is in memory of a loved one they have lost, it carries an extra significance to us all. We would like to thank everyone who is supporting or taking part in this event.”

According to estimates by the British Heart Foundation, 19,000 people in Caerphilly County Borough – which has a population of around 181,000 – are affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

The charity has helped fund 30 heart defibrillators across the borough, as well as 16 free CPR kits to schools and community groups.

To make a donation to the fundraiser, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SophieBignell3

To follow the participants’ progress as they take on the challenge, visit instagram.com/2k_every2hrs_for24hrs/