A group of fundraising friends from Neath Port Talbot are having a joint celebration as one of their members marks her 60th birthday in the same year as they charity they support.
The group has raised over £680 and counting for the BHF’s 60th anniversary challenge
Beverley Carver was born in Neath Hospital on October 13th 1961, just a few months after the British Heart Foundation was founded.
She says, “I’ve been involved with BHF since 2013, when I met Jayne, the local Fundraising Manager, at an event on Aberavon Beach. Since then, I have taken part in, and helped to organise, a number of fundraisers for BHF, including walks, fun days and supermarket collections. BHF is a charity which is very close to my heart, as my father and several other relatives passed away from illnesses linked to heart and circulatory problems.”
NPT Mayor Cllr John Warman joined the group as part of their BHF fundraising challenge
The BHF Neath Port Talbot Fundraising Group ranges in age from 56 to 75. Beverley says, “What we lack in youth, we make up for in energy, enthusiasm and determination! We are all retired and living in Port Talbot.”
All the members have their own reasons for supporting the BHF.
Captain Beany (Barry Kirk), 67 says, “My dear late brother Peter Kirk passed away with cardiomyopathy when he was only 37 years of age.”
Peter Ross, 64, says, “BHF were a great help to my good friends Ashley and Sharon when their baby daughter Ffion underwent heart operations.”
Margaret Dunley, 75, has several connections to the cause, “My father went for a walk, had a heart attack and died while on the walk. My late husband Winston had heart problems, one of his brothers had a pacemaker, and his other brothers died after having heart attacks.”
Caroline Williams, 56, says her uncle passed away from what she believes to have been a heart condition, “My uncle, who I was very close to, passed away aged 43. I don’t know all the details but my Dad told me my Uncle had a very slow heartbeat since childhood. Apparently it just stopped in his sleep. He went to sleep and didn’t wake up.”
Beverley explains how the group evolved, “Following a group Santa walk at the end of 2018, four of us decided to set up a Port Talbot BHF group. The group consisted of myself, Captain Beany (Barry Kirk), Peter Ross and Margaret Dunley. In September 2019 we organised an event called Santa’s Summer Saunter, a fun day held at Aberavon Beach. This consisted of a walk, a pebble hunt, sandcastle competition, beach games and ‘throw a wet sponge at Santa in the stocks!’ The event was very successful, and we had planned a similar one for summer 2020 – however, due to Covid and lockdown, that event was not able to take place.
“When Jayne contacted me at the beginning of this year to inform me that BHF would be celebrating its 60th anniversary, I contacted the team to ask them to join me in walking 60 miles to raise money for the charity. It is a double celebration for me, as I also turn 60 this year!
BHF Cymru Fundraising manager Jayne Lewis, Mayor of Neath Port Talbot John Warman, Caroline Williams, Captain Beany, Beverley Carver, Margaret Dunley
“Captain, Peter, Margaret and I were joined by our friend Caroline Williams for the walks. Due to family and other commitments, we were not able to walk the 60 miles in one go, so decided to walk a few miles every Monday morning until we had completed 60 miles. We started at the end of April and did our final walk in September.
“Our walks took place at a variety of local attractions and walkways, including Aberavon Beach and Morfa Beach, Pant y Sais Nature Reserve and Bryn Goytre Cycleway. We thoroughly enjoyed every walk, and definitely put the fun into fundraising! We set ourselves a fundraising target of £600. We have raised over £680 and donations are still coming in.”
Peter Ross, Margaret Dunley, Beverley Carver, Captain Beany
The group completed a 60-mile challenge in September, and celebrated their achievement and Beverley’s 60th birthday with one final walk along Aberavon seafront on October 11th. Beverley’s friend Kathryn Sims made a heart shaped 60th birthday cake to mark the occasion.
Beverley says, “We had a lovely day for the final walk to mark the 60th birthday of BHF – and me! Luckily, the sun was shining for our walk along Aberavon seafront, and the cake made by my friend Kathryn was amazing.
“We will definitely be organising some more fundraisers for BHF in the future, because it means so much to us all knowing that the money we raise helps save lives of people affected by heart conditions.”
Fundraising Manager Jayne Lewis said, “It was my pleasure to join the BHF Port Talbot group members on the final walk and also to wish Beverley a happy birthday. They are wonderful group, and it is great to work with them on their innovative community events. We have so much fun, and they are well known to the local community, who come along to support them.
“I particularly remember the summer event and having to choose the best sandcastle which was so difficult as they were all so very creative. They have raised over £5,000 so far which is a fantastic total. I know how dedicated and enthusiastic they all are, and I am so looking forward to working with them all on the next event. They are truly inspirational!
“I would like to wish Beverley a wonderful birthday. She is such a kind-hearted member of the group and it was wonderful being with them to celebrate the end of their 60 mile walking challenge as well as Beverley’s special 60th birthday.”
As the charity marks its 60th year of pioneering research to save lives, the BHF is encouraging everyone to join Team 60 and fundraise in support of their work. Find out more and be inspired at www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise
