PARISHIONERS along with churches across the diocese have raised more than £8500 for a charity supporting parents of children and babies in Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Ty Croeso - which translates as welcome house - is a six-roomed unit in the grounds of the Bodelwyddan based hospital.

The house offers overnight accommodation and daytime support to families, carers, parents of children admitted to the paediatric wards of the hospital. It has two paid staff and relies heavily on donations and volunteers to support the daily needs of parents.

Throughout 2017, churches across the diocese raised money and handed over two "substantial" cheques. The biggest fund-raising activity was coordinated by a team from St Ethelwolds Church in Shotton, who undertook a cycling pilgrimage from North Wales to Walsingham in Norfolk. The 200-mile endeavour alone raised £2850.

Helen Coles accepted the money from the diocese. She said: "We were delighted to be nominated as the St Asaph charity of the year.

"Not only have we received vital funds to continue our work, but the profile of the charity has been raised with increased interest from local groups and churches. I’ve had numerous requests to talk to local groups who then go on to send us donations following their own fundraising events.”

Every year churches in the Diocese of St Asaph select a charity to support, in addition to other fundraising. Previous recipients include Blind Veterans UK, Wales Air Ambulance and Farming Community Network.

The Alzheimer’s Society has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 offering.

For further information, visit stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/life/diocesan-offering. The public can also learn about how the diocese is working to become dementia friendly.