A Valleys 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. 

Two-year-old Rio Harrison from Brynmawr will be joined by his auntie Kelcea, Nan-Nan Amie and Grandad Paul at Tŷ Hafan's Cyfarthfa Castle Dark Run in Merthyr Tydfil on the evening of Friday, 25 October to raise vital funds for the hospice - and they are encouraging as many other people as possible to sign up too. 

Amie says that without the help of Tŷ Hafan she and her family would struggle to cope.  

"My son Callum was just six when he died in December 2018," says Amie. "He had Ohtahara Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, which meant he could have anything up to 19 seizures a day.  

"Now I look after my grandson Rio, who also has Ohtahara Syndrome. Rio is a lot more mobile than Callum was, which is both good and bad because it means he can do more, but it's also quite daunting at times. It's definitely a full time job looking after him. 

"Tŷ  Hafan is an amazing place. Our lives would all be a lot harder without it. The atmosphere there is so positive and it's a place where we can go for some rest and reflect on what we are dealing with. We love it there – I don't know what we'd do without it. 

"I would encourage everyone to get involved and do the Cyfarthfa Castle Dark Run for Tŷ  Hafan because you'll be raising money for the hospice to help more families like ours." 

Callum Sainsbury with his aunty Kelcea

James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising, said: "Cyfarthfa Castle Merthyr Tydfil Dark Run is a fantastic opportunity for family and friends to get dressed up, get together and have a great evening out while raising vital funds for Tŷ Hafan. 

"The castle and parts of the grounds will be lit up for this event, and fancy dress is optional, but strongly encouraged. Think bright neon colours and Halloween dress up and we'll be giving a prize for the best costume. 

"Run, jog or walk this epic spooky 2.5k fun run around the castle grounds – it's up to you how you do it.

"We just ask that each family or group raises a minimum of £50 in sponsorship because everything you raise helps Tŷ Hafan to reach more children and families who need us. You can download your sponsorship form from our website and everyone who takes part will get a free large glowstick and a glow in the dark medal. 

 "Spaces are filling quickly though, so to make sure you don't miss out, go to: Cyfarthfa Castle Dark Run - Ty Hafan sign up now."