A Swindon resident has raised more than £1,000 in memory of her parents, who both died from cancer at the age of 48.

Ffion Morris, 26, took part in NHS Charities Together's annual walking challenge, The Big Step.

Participants walk a minimum of either 5,000 or 10,000 steps daily throughout October.

Ffion Morris' mum and dad, Helen and RhodriFfion Morris' mum and dad, Helen and Rhodri (Image: NHS Charities Together)

Ms Morris, originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, undertook the challenge in tribute to her late parents.

Her dad, Rhodri, died in September 2015, seven months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He received end-of-life care at the Ty Olwen hospice, part of Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

Her mum, Helen, died of cervical cancer in July this year having been diagnosed in January.

Ms Morris, who averaged nearly 12,000 steps each day during the challenge, said: "I wanted to raise money for NHS Charities Together to thank the NHS staff who cared for both my parents at the end of their lives.

"My mam received wonderful care earlier this year from the NHS during her treatment and times in hospital, but it was the care of the NHS district nurses and palliative care nurses that was particularly fantastic.

Ffion Morris and her dad, RhodriFfion Morris and her dad, Rhodri (Image: NHS Charities Together) "The end-of-life care my dad received in Swansea in 2015 was second to none.

"When I was grieving for my dad, getting outside for fresh air and walking was a way of coping and helping my mental health.

"Having recently lost my mam, I thought signing up for the Big Step was a great way to help me cope and manage the grief again this time round."

Ms Morris said she is "incredibly grateful" for the support of those who donated, and encouraged others to participate in the future, saying: "It’s a great way to keep active, enjoy nature and raise vital funds for the NHS."

Ffion Morris and her mum, HelenFfion Morris and her mum, Helen (Image: NHS Charities Together) Ms Morris can still be sponsored and donations to NHS Charities Together can be made through her JustGiving page.

Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at NHS Charities Together, added: "We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in the Big Step this year, including incredible Ffion who raised over £1,000 for our vital work supporting NHS staff, patients and communities.

"We want to say a huge thank you to Ffion, for taking on this challenge and raising so much money, despite losing both parents at such a young age, and having only lost her mam a few months ago.

"With the busy winter season approaching, your support is needed more than ever."

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app