My three big challenges for Tŷ Hafan

As the CEO of JCP Solicitors, and current President of Swansea Bay Business Club (as well as a mother and grandmother) I am used to taking on challenges in many forms – from the boardroom to the playroom! But nothing could have prepared me for the most physical challenge of my life when I found myself conquering the three peaks challenge, cycling from London to Paris and last but certainly not least, jumping out of a plane over Swansea Bay.

When I took over the two-year presidency of Swansea Bay Business Club in 2015, I pledged to raise £20,000 for Tŷ Hafan by completing the trio of extreme challenges – challenges of a lifetime – alongside raising funds through general club activities.

I chose Tŷ Hafan as the President’s Charity because they receive no government funding and yet make such a difference to so many life-limited children and their families throughout Wales. The passion and commitment of the fundraisers very quickly stole my heart and a visit to the hospice left me in no doubt that I wanted to do as much as possible to help.

I am not the most active of people and it had never crossed my mind to participate in these types of events, but since I made the promise in front of a room full of people, there was no backing out of it.

So, reality hit and I realised I had to knuckle down to some serious training if I was going to pull this off. What overwhelmed me was the support I had from family, friends and the wider Swansea Bay business community who committed to joining me in the individual events to help me achieve my target. Lots of training and two challenges later, I was blown away by the fact that we had collectively raised £38,000 already. So, with one year still to go before the end of my presidential term, I decided to increase the target to £50,000!

All three challenges have now been completed and, whilst they were indeed challenging, I have conquered some fears, become a lot fitter and made some fantastic memories and friends – and all for an amazing cause. This really has been a life-changing experience for me and I cannot thank my family, friends, colleagues and business contacts enough for their overwhelming generosity and continued support. The current amount raised through the challenges and donations from Swansea Bay Business Club members at our lunches is at £54,010. I’m now waiting with bated breath to see the final amount raised by the end of my Presidential term on 8 December 2017. 

Hayley is a Non-Lawyer Director and Business Owner at JCP Solicitors. If you would like to find out more about her fundraising activities with Tŷ Hafan, please contact her on her direct dial 01792 529653 or via email at hayley.davies@jcpsolicitors.co.uk