What a year it’s been! We honestly don’t quite know where the months have gone. But what we do know: none of this happens without our incredible community, and we want to say thank you for walking alongside us every step of the way.

We kicked the year off back in January with the launch of our virtual challenge – a brilliant way to start the year moving for Giddo. Not long after, we were busy organising our Thank You Evening. We were so proud to present 10 awards to individuals and groups who had truly gone above and beyond over the previous two years, including a special award for one of our young people, Will, who we lost to teenage cancer. It was such a special night, full of stories, laughter and tears, and we were overwhelmed by the number of people who signed up to support us going forward.

March saw us turning our attention to getting Giddo’s Gaff ready for visits. Greenacres meant so much to us – a place of comfort, calm and a little escape for Jordan. He would absolutely love the fact we have our own caravan down there now, helping other families get some much needed time away.

Behind the scenes, we were also planning hard for the future. We joined the Easyfundraising platform (which has been a game-changer – such an easy way to support us!), gave our website a much-needed makeover, and were incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Pride of Britain Giveaway. Throughout the year we stayed busy with our charity pots and our Easter Egg Appeal, delivering Easter hampers to children on hospital wards – small gestures that we hope brought a little light during tough times.

May was huge. Giddo’s Golf Day and Family Fun Day was an absolute blast – sunshine, smiles, and so much generosity. A massive thank you to Tom Collins for entertaining us (more than once this year!), to everyone who donated raffle prizes, and to those who sponsored holes. We also had so many people taking on runs and challenges in May – thank you for moving for Giddo and raising vital funds.

June is always special as it’s Jord’s birthday and we Go Blue for Jord. Once again, our local schools showed incredible support with the own clothes day. We also celebrated Volunteers’ Week, shining a spotlight on our amazing trustees and ambassadors.

June also brought the return of Giddo’s Football Tournament, expertly organised by Ieuan Rowe – thank you for your continued dedication. And then came something completely new for us… our first ever abseil! As a team, we raised nearly £10,000 – an absolutely incredible effort. Thank you to everyone who took part and to the wonderful staff at Marble Church for supporting us.

Rock for Giddo was another standout moment – an amazing line-up and an unforgettable atmosphere. Once again, Tom Collins, thank you for being such a huge supporter.

Our charity coordinator worked tirelessly throughout the year, attending funding fairs and networking events to spread the word about Giddo’s Gift. From Deeside and Northop College Freshers’ Fairs to the DVSC Funding Fair, Flintshire Council SAFE Group, and giving talks to college students, nurses and oncology staff at Betsi Cadwaladr – every conversation helps us reach more families.

In August, we held our Memory Walk in beautiful Anglesey. Blue skies (thanks Jord!), stunning views, and people walking in memory of those they love and miss. It was emotional, peaceful, and incredibly special.

September saw us Go Gold once again – remembering our fallen angels and raising awareness for childhood cancer. Gold bikes, gold everywhere, and so much love. We were also awarded a lump sum from a funder, helping us begin saving towards an adults-only lodge – something we decided after listening carefully to feedback from our young people. More on this next year!

And in the autumn, we were thrilled to welcome four new team members to the Giddo’s Gift family. Jinny and Fern as ambassadors who have got stuck into fundraising events already, and two new trustees Jacqueline and Kerry who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. We’re lucky to have you all!

And then came Christmas… and wow. Our Christmas Gift Bag Appeal exceeded anything we could have imagined. A record-breaking number of gifts and donations – vans and vans full. We were completely overwhelmed by your kindness. Thank you endlessly to everyone who donated, wrapped, sorted, drove and supported us. There are simply too many to name.

Alongside this, we also ran our annual Christmas Hamper Raffle, Wreath-Making Afternoon Tea, Christmas Craft Fair, attended Flint Christmas Light Switch-On, and somehow kept everything moving. A huge thank you to Steph Rowe, our trustee, who put in countless hours selling raffle tickets and organising what felt like millions of gifts.

I was also honoured to receive the Flint Mayor’s Community Recognition Award this year – an award I accept on behalf of Team Giddo and in memory of Jord. In December, we were proud to make a donation to Sarcoma UK, while also receiving further generous donations from local companies – thank you so much for continuing to believe in us.

Planning for next year is already underway… but for now, it’s time to pause, breathe, and rest.

From the bottom of my heart – thank you to every supporter, volunteer, company, school and fundraiser. You make Giddo’s Gift what it is.

Merry Christmas. Hold your loved ones tight.
Thank you,

Mandy x