Fundraising will continue to keep daughter's memory alive
A PROUD family have hit their £50,000 charity target in memory of their much-missed daughter and sister — and decided to plough on.
Paul, Kim and Tom Waters wanted to thank everyone who has supported the Rachel Waters Remembrance Fund for Wales Air Ambulance since its inception three years ago.
Now the Loughor family plan to carry on their charitable work under a new name, the Rachel Waters Remembrance Fund Supporting Local Charities.
"We wanted to keep the memory of our daughter alive," said businessman Mr Waters.
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Rachel, who attended Penyrheol comprehensive, was 18 when she died in a two-car collision in Garngoch, Swansea, in February 2009.
"We are still struggling with it," said Mr Waters. "Unless someone goes through it, you will never understand what the pain is."
But he said the family have been lifted by well-wishers and supporters who have backed numerous charity events.
Rachel's friends have also been a big blessing, said Mr Waters.
"We are so grateful for the support we have had, and are having," he said.
Wales Air Ambulance chiefs have returned the compliment, describing the £50,000 sum as an astounding success. The charity relies on donations to keep in the air.
In a letter to the family, the charity's regional development manager Mark Stevens said: "The wide range of fundraising events that have been undertaken as part of the Rachel Waters Remembrance Fund have been memorable and greatly appreciated.
Bucket collections, sponsored walks, bike rides, kayaking and a fashion show to name but a few; the list is only outdone by the enthusiasm and dedication that has been shown."
Incredibly, money has already been rolling in for the new fund.
Just over £1,000 came courtesy of Rachel's friends and family members — Angharad Hughes, Louise Kelly, Christopher Hughes, Chris Jones and Les Holborrow — who did a 42-mile sponsored walk, while £300 was raised in the annual Rachel Waters Memorial Cup match between Loughor and Gorseinon rugby clubs.
Radio presenter and Swansea City chaplain Kev Johns will compere at a charity fashion show at Loughor Working Men's Club on November 30, with proceeds going to help young teenager Robyn Smith, of Sketty, who has brain damage.
A rugby dinner and auction next February, with guest speaker former Wales international Tommy David, will raise money for another Swansea family, whose daughter Eva Rose has cerebral palsy.
www.rachelemilywaters.co.uk
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514620
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