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Wales Online
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Touching moment Welsh bride left in tears by surprise at her wedding
Touching moment Welsh bride left in tears by surprise at her wedding Elanwy Evans-Carpenter was left shocked when the surprise unfolded as the curtains opened during the wedding speeches, saying: 'I had no idea about it' A Welsh bride was left in years after being surprised with a touching tribute at her wedding. Elanwy Evans-Carpenter, from Glanaman, sadly lost her father Linden Evans suddenly in 2021 and her mother Yolanda Evans suddenly in 2023. While getting married to her partner, Matthew Edwards-Carpenter, at Oldwalls in Gower, Elanwy's maid of honour Ffion Thomas pulled out all the stops for an incredibly touching surprise. Linden was the co-founder of the Cor Meibion Dyffryn Aman Choir in Ammanford, which he began 35 years ago and which Elanwy describes as a big part of his life. As a touching surprise, Ffion organised for the Cor Meibion Dyffryn Aman Choir to attend and perform at Elanwy's wedding so that her father's voice could still be heard at her wedding. Speaking about the emotional moment, Elanwy said: "I had no idea about it... it was a complete surprise! At the end of her speech she mentioned having my dad's voice around the place and having him here with us. "Then all of the sudden the curtains opened during the speeches and just as she finished hers and the choir was revealed and they just started singing. "It was amazing. It is an emotional day anyway and I managed to, throughout most of the day I kept my tears in, but when that happened I just burst out into tears then. It was really nice, I loved it." Article continues below Elanwy with the choir (Image: Tayla and Co ) Talking about how Ffion, who also enlisted the other bridesmaids and Matthew in on the secret, managed to organise such a moving moment, Elanwy said: "Really lovely of her, she went above and beyond." The choir actually sneaked in through the supplier entrance to be able to pull off the full surprise, without Elanwy suspecting a thing. Having lost both her mother and father Elanwy said: "It's been a really tough few years, it has just been so lovely to have a friend dear to me, do something like that for me, I couldn't have asked for anyone better." Elanwy and Ffion have been friends since school, becoming close friends in 2010. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . Music has always been an important part of Elanwy's life, having grown up in a musical family and she joined her local women's choir, Cor Lleisiau'r Llan, after her mother passed away to help with her grief. Article continues below They also performed at the wedding and Ffion knows that music is important to Elanwy, making her father's choir performing at the wedding a fitting tribute to him. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
North Wales Chronicle
02-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey: Girl, 4, inspires Tŷ Gobaith hospice campaign
Alaw Evan, from Llanfairpwll, features in a summer appeal for Tŷ Gobaith children's hospice, which has raised more than £60,000 in just a few weeks. Alaw's face has appeared on the front of envelopes delivered to 32,000 homes since the start of May, with her parents, Ffion and Barry, sharing their story. Ffion said: "Those teeny tiny steps where Alaw is doing something really well, something we never thought we would see. Alaw's face has appeared on the front of envelopes delivered to 32,000 homes since the start of May (Image: Russell Davies Photography) "Alaw isn't able to sit up unaided, she doesn't crawl, she doesn't walk, she doesn't stand without the support of a frame but she has the most contagious giggle ever." Alaw was born on Valentine's Day and sustained a brain injury, due to lack of oxygen, after her mother developed HELLP syndrome, a rare and life-threatening pregnancy condition. Ffion was not able to meet her Alaw until five days after giving birth. Barry said: "They were both fighting for their lives and we were being told to expect the worst. READ MORE: Official opening event is held for a new basketball court on Anglesey Gwynedd museum re-opens following £280,000 makeover "But Alaw was a little fighter, and after five days Ffion was able to have her bed wheeled to Neonatal Intensive Care to meet her too." Alaw was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and dystonia. After spending six months in Alder Hey Hospital, a paediatrician recommended the family consider respite care at Tŷ Gobaith. Ffion said: "We went to visit in springtime last year and I remember stepping outside in the car park and just feeling completely overwhelmed by how beautiful the setting was." Mr Evan recently raised money for the hospice by abseiling down the Anglesey Column (Image: Supplied) She added: "We went inside and everybody was making a fuss of Alaw and she was loving it. "The first time we left her overnight was massive for us but it felt like a safe place and I'm not just talking about the nurses, I'm talking about the housekeepers and the kitchen staff and how everybody knows everything that is going on there and how everyone is involved in Alaw's care like one big family." Barry recently raised money for the hospice by abseiling down the Anglesey Column on May 17. He said: "We are so excited about this next chapter in our lives where we can just be parents to Alaw and our baby Caio, and with the help of Tŷ Gobaith that is happening more and more often." You can find out more about Alaw's campaign by visiting
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Little Alaw can't sit, crawl or walk but she's got something that melts everyone's hearts
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info From the moment she was born, Alaw Evans has been a "little fighter". When mum Ffion developed a rare pregnancy condition, a lack of oxygen left her with a catastrophic brain injury. After the birth, on Valentine's Day, dad Barry was warned both his wife and daughter might not survive. Alaw was placed into neonatal intensive care and it was five days before Ffion was well enough to be wheeled to the unit to meet her. Even when the pair were allowed home to Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, Alaw's battles were only just starting. When she was almost two-years-old, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a muscle spasm condition called dystonia. Since then Alaw, now aged four, has fought back, her progress charted in what Ffion calls 'inchstones' – the miniature version of milestones. 'Our inchstones are what we call those little moments that for us are everything,' said Ffion. 'Those teeny tiny steps where Alaw is doing something really well, something we never thought we would see. 'Alaw isn't able to sit up unaided, she doesn't crawl, she doesn't walk and she doesn't stand without the support of a frame – but she has the most contagious giggle ever! 'She loves going on the swings, being pampered and having her curls brushed, and she loves to go swimming with the physios – last time she was so relaxed she giggled non-stop in the pool and all the way home too. For us these things are all massive.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Getting to this stage has been tough. In late pregnancy Ffion developed a condition called HELLP syndrome – this stands for (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets). Occurring in fewer than 1% of pregnancies, it's a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered a variant of preeclampsia. 'They were both fighting for their lives,' recalled Barry. 'We were being told to expect the worst. The obstetrician told us it can very often be fatal for both mum and baby, so we were extremely lucky.' Being allowed to return home was a doubled-edged sword: as the Covid pandemic was still raging, the family began to feel increasingly isolated. Alaw was often unsettled, crying incessantly and making it difficult to leave the house. With Barry needing to go to work, Ffion was up with Alaw every night. 'I was so exhausted during the day I couldn't look after her,' she recalled. 'So my mum had to come in and help. I was virtually nocturnal for those first three years and we just hit rock bottom.' When Alaw was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she spent six months in Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital to manage her condition and to relieve her constant pain. It was at this point a paediatrician suggested the family consider a respite stay at the Tŷ Gobaith children's hospice near Conwy town. From the moment the family arrived at the centre, in the spring sunshine, they were made to feel at ease. Ffion's first impression was just how beautiful the setting was. 'We went inside and everybody was making a fuss of Alaw and she was loving it,' she said. 'We were offered a cup of tea and a piece of banoffee pie and invited to sit down. Someone said, 'We'll take Alaw' - that was scary because we'd never left her with someone else as she is so medically complex. No one knew her like I knew her. 'The first time we left her overnight was massive for us but it felt like a safe place and I'm not just talking about the nurses, I'm talking about the housekeepers and the kitchen staff and how everybody knows everything that is going on there and how everyone is involved in Alaw's care like one big family. "I think they are the only people in the world who really understand what being parents to a medically complex child is all about. 'For instance the social work team is amazing and point you in the right direction if you need something. I don't have the time to do nice things such as searching for accessible family holidays we can take Alaw on, but they did that and sent me the links.' In recent weeks Alaw's face has featured on the cover of envelopes that have landed on 32,000 doormats. These contain information about Tŷ Gobaith's summer campaign, which in just a few short weeks has already raised more than £60,000. Barry has played his part, abseilling down the Anglesey Column to raise money on behalf of Alaw, who he calls his "little fighter". A new chapter has now opened for the family with the arrival of a baby boy, Caio. Continued help from the charity means Barry and Ffion are better able to focus their energies on their children. She added: 'Without Tŷ Gobaith, life would be like it was before – we would be exhausted and at rock bottom, and that isn't a nice place to be. Respite is giving us that chance to have a breather. 'When Alaw is at Ty Gobaith we get to slow down and make sure that we don't reach burn out like we used to. That makes us better parents.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox To support Alaw's campaign, and help local children with life-threatening conditions, there's more information on the Hope House website. Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
02-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Little Alaw can't sit, crawl or walk but she's got something that melts everyone's hearts
From the moment she was born, Alaw Evans has been a "little fighter". When mum Ffion developed a rare pregnancy condition, a lack of oxygen left her with a catastrophic brain injury. After the birth, on Valentine's Day, dad Barry was warned both his wife and daughter might not survive. Alaw was placed into neonatal intensive care and it was five days before Ffion was well enough to be wheeled to the unit to meet her. Even when the pair were allowed home to Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, Alaw's battles were only just starting. When she was almost two-years-old, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a muscle spasm condition called dystonia. Since then Alaw, now aged four, has fought back, her progress charted in what Ffion calls 'inchstones' – the miniature version of milestones. 'Our inchstones are what we call those little moments that for us are everything,' said Ffion. 'Those teeny tiny steps where Alaw is doing something really well, something we never thought we would see. 'Alaw isn't able to sit up unaided, she doesn't crawl, she doesn't walk and she doesn't stand without the support of a frame – but she has the most contagious giggle ever! 'She loves going on the swings, being pampered and having her curls brushed, and she loves to go swimming with the physios – last time she was so relaxed she giggled non-stop in the pool and all the way home too. For us these things are all massive.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Getting to this stage has been tough. In late pregnancy Ffion developed a condition called HELLP syndrome – this stands for (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets). Occurring in fewer than 1% of pregnancies, it's a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered a variant of preeclampsia. 'They were both fighting for their lives,' recalled Barry. 'We were being told to expect the worst. The obstetrician told us it can very often be fatal for both mum and baby, so we were extremely lucky.' Being allowed to return home was a doubled-edged sword: as the Covid pandemic was still raging, the family began to feel increasingly isolated. Alaw was often unsettled, crying incessantly and making it difficult to leave the house. With Barry needing to go to work, Ffion was up with Alaw every night. 'I was so exhausted during the day I couldn't look after her,' she recalled. 'So my mum had to come in and help. I was virtually nocturnal for those first three years and we just hit rock bottom.' When Alaw was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she spent six months in Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital to manage her condition and to relieve her constant pain. It was at this point a paediatrician suggested the family consider a respite stay at the Tŷ Gobaith children's hospice near Conwy town. From the moment the family arrived at the centre, in the spring sunshine, they were made to feel at ease. Ffion's first impression was just how beautiful the setting was. 'We went inside and everybody was making a fuss of Alaw and she was loving it,' she said. 'We were offered a cup of tea and a piece of banoffee pie and invited to sit down. Someone said, 'We'll take Alaw' - that was scary because we'd never left her with someone else as she is so medically complex. No one knew her like I knew her. 'The first time we left her overnight was massive for us but it felt like a safe place and I'm not just talking about the nurses, I'm talking about the housekeepers and the kitchen staff and how everybody knows everything that is going on there and how everyone is involved in Alaw's care like one big family. "I think they are the only people in the world who really understand what being parents to a medically complex child is all about. 'For instance the social work team is amazing and point you in the right direction if you need something. I don't have the time to do nice things such as searching for accessible family holidays we can take Alaw on, but they did that and sent me the links.' In recent weeks Alaw's face has featured on the cover of envelopes that have landed on 32,000 doormats. These contain information about Tŷ Gobaith's summer campaign, which in just a few short weeks has already raised more than £60,000. Barry has played his part, abseilling down the Anglesey Column to raise money on behalf of Alaw, who he calls his "little fighter". A new chapter has now opened for the family with the arrival of a baby boy, Caio. Continued help from the charity means Barry and Ffion are better able to focus their energies on their children. She added: 'Without Tŷ Gobaith, life would be like it was before – we would be exhausted and at rock bottom, and that isn't a nice place to be. Respite is giving us that chance to have a breather. 'When Alaw is at Ty Gobaith we get to slow down and make sure that we don't reach burn out like we used to. That makes us better parents.'
Wales Online
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The fitness craze taking over Cardiff that everybody seems to be doing
The fitness craze taking over Cardiff that everybody seems to be doing 'We've got people in their 60s, single mums, young and old people, literally every type of person you can think of doing it.' The B42 gym in Cardiff Bay, one of the first gyms in Wales to offer Hyrox training (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Hyrox is a sporting test which has taken over social media and this weekend it's Cardiff's turn. Ben Noel, 28, and Ffion McGowan, 26, own the B42 gym in Cardiff Bay, one of the first gyms in Wales to offer Hyrox training. This weekend, they and 60 others from their gym will compete in the functional fitness event inside the hallowed walls of Cardiff's Principality Stadium: for many of them it will be their first time. Hyrox is a fitness race consisting of eight 1km runs interspersed with eight functional workout stations. The couple have each raced in four events before and have well and truly succumbed to the Hyrox bug. Speaking to Ben and Ffion, their passion for the sport and the community it fosters is clear. Despite both coming from sporty backgrounds - Ben was a national-level sprinter and Ffion competed nationally in dance - they are keen to stress that Hyrox is for everyone. Don't miss a rugby story, sign up for our newsletter . Ben explained: "We've got people in their 60s, single mums, young and old people, literally every type of person you can think of doing it. It's nice to have people of different ages and abilities jumping in. That creates the community." "Even people who haven't done a parkrun are now doing Hyrox. That feeling of nervousness before the race in the start tunnel, they're feelings you may not have experienced before and it becomes a bug." Content cannot be displayed without consent Ffion explained it's not about your time, but just doing it. "You go on social media you see big influencers doing super quick times that are crazy and then that's that's all you see but it's a very small portion. That's the top 10% or even less and that's not the ethos." Ffion explained it wasn't until the sport boomed on social media that everyone wanted to get involved. She said: "When we first started we had a Hyrox class and it was our least popular class and now it's our most popular." Ben added: "The sport and the brand has grown and people have realised it's accessible. We get 30 people at six, 30 people at seven and 30 people at half nine so it's just grown rapidly." Content cannot be displayed without consent When Ben and Ffion first raced last October, only they and one other woman at the gym had completed a Hyrox before. Ffion said as soon as she finished she knew she wanted to do it again. This January in Manchester 20 members competed, last month 30 went up to London and in Cardiff they have around 60 competing. They say it's been a knock-on effect with everyone their gym keen to support each other. Ben explained the training has being a mix of running and endurance and strength elements like pushing and pulling. With Hyrox events all over the world, the gym owners couldn't hide their excitement about it coming to Cardiff. Ffion said: "For people who can't necessarily travel to other events because of children or financial reasons, it's great for it to be on their doorstep. It just opened up a whole new gateway to new people. And people are like, yeah, I'll give it a go." The pair shared their tips for people competing in the Welsh capital this weekend. Ben said: "Enjoy every minute of it and don't worry about how you feel in a race because you will get it done through determination and willpower so keep your headstrong." Ffion added: "Make sure you fuel up and soak up every single moment of it, don't beat yourself up over a time or a station just enjoy being there and enjoy every second of it." B42 run Hyrox classes multiple times a week. You can find out more on their website. Article continues below
