TWO carers at a Vale of Clwyd playschool will brave a 15,000ft skydive to raise money for the toddler group and other good causes.

Auntie Myra and Auntie Kate - Myra Roberts and Kate Griffiths - from Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun, will take the leap together over the Easter break.

This comes after Myra got a taste for adrenalin recently celebrating her 60th birthday.

“I did the zip wire at Bethesda and then the high ropes and taboggan at Betws y Coed all in one weekend,” said Myra, from Ruthin. 

READ MORE: Energetic Ruthin youngsters put their best foot forward

“I got into work on Monday and said ‘I want to do something else!’”

Spotting an opportunity, Kate, 56, from Bryn Saith Marchog, suggested an even more daring sponsored feat for them both in aid of charities. 

Relishing the idea, Myra said “My husband says I’m bonkers! I think Kate might be regretting it a bit now too!”

Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun, based at Pwllglas, has been going for nearly 60 years and offers pre-school play and education in the medium of Welsh most weekday mornings. 

It was one of the first Welsh-medium playschools to be established in Wales, but like many organisations was hit by the pandemic. 

“Re-starting has been tough without much funds” said Kate, the Cylch’s leader.

“But it’s so important for the children after lockdowns. They get so much benefit from it.

 

Denbighshire Free Press: Toddlers of Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun recently did a sponsored walkToddlers of Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun recently did a sponsored walk

 

“It’s really important they that start learning to socialise when they’re young.

"We talk a lot about feelings and why it’s OK to feel sad or a bit uneasy at times.”

Having been based in Ruthin for many years, the Cylch is hoping to return to a more central base in town in the near future, which they hope will attract more families.

The daring parachute jump could help kit out the new premises. 

“We’re working to introduce parts of the new curriculum.” said Kate.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but will be good for the children.”

Glesni Jones’ eldest son, Owain, attended the Cylch two years ago and she feels it was a big step in his development.

“I noticed a big difference in terms of his language and communication skills, but also his awareness of things like time, days of the week, seasons and so on," she said.

“The experience the children get in Cylch is unique. It’s great for parents who are thinking of giving their children Welsh-medium education.

"It gets everyone ready for the classroom.”

 

 

 

Glesni now serves as the committee treasurer for Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun and says the parents appreciate the efforts of all the staff. 

“Auntie Kate’s committment is clearly above and beyond, especially during the difficult period we’ve been through," she added.

“She’s so experienced, but still looking for new training courses so she can provide new experiences for the children.

“She’s passionate, always thinking of the children, especially as we look to move to new premises.”

Kate and Myra will take one minute to descend 15,000ft when they take the plunge at Skydive Tilstock in Shropshire on April 11.

In addition to Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun, the pair also hope to raise money for two other charities - NEWCIS and Autism Wales. 

Their pluck and courage is supported by local employer Jones Bros Civil Engineering, which has kindly co-sponsored the jump.

Lynne Williams, marketing manager at Jones Bros, said: “As a proud Welsh company, Welsh-medium education is important to us and it’s wonderful to be able to help such a worthwhile cause.

“Some of our staff were in the Cylch as children and now their children will be making use of the brilliant work it does.

“I know Kate personally and her commitment to the Cylch, along with that of Myra’s, can only be applauded.”

The campaign can be supported at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cylchrhuthun or by clicking here.

More information about Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun and the carers’ skydive, contact Kate Griffiths via 07480 610753 or cylchmeithrinrhuthun@gmail.com