Fundraisers face their fears on the world’s fastest seated zipline

Six brave fundraisers have raised £1850 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital by facing their fears on the world’s fasted seated zipline, situated at the old Tower Colliery mining site in Aberdare.

Swansea Building Society cashier, Vicky Toutt, joined her sister-in-law Ceri Toutt and four other ladies to take part in the event organised by Noah’s Ark at Zip World Tower in the Rhigos mountain range. Together they raised £1350, with an additional donation of £500 being made by Swansea Building Society.

Both Vicky and Ceri Toutt have very close personal ties to the charity. Ceri’s son, Toby, was born in 2011. He started life with many challenges, and he has overcome a great deal in his 10 years of life. Toby now visits Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff around 10 times a year for ongoing care.

As well as being Toby’s aunt, Vicky Toutt also has another reason that the charity is very close to her heart: 40 years ago, her sister, Liz, underwent life-saving heart surgery at the children’s unit in the Heath Hospital, Cardiff.

Therefore, when Ceri was approached by the staff in the children’s unit and asked if she would like to participate in the fundraiser, the decision was made very quickly, and all six ladies signed up immediately.

Vicky Toutt, fundraiser, said: “I joined Swansea Building Society as a cashier in the Cowbridge branch in April 2021. From day one, I received a warm welcome and I immediately felt part of the Society team. Supporting Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital is extremely important to me and my family, and being a mum myself to two daughters, Lucy 14 and Poppy 9, it’s reassuring to know that the hospital is in close proximity.

“I like a bit of adventure, so when I was asked to join the girls with this challenge, I jumped at the chance. We were astounded by the amount of money we raised, and I am truly thankful to Alun and Swansea Building Society for their generous contribution!”

Richard Miles, Head of Savings & Marketing/Area Manager East at Swansea Building Society, said: “We are very happy to be able to make this donation of £500 to add to the amount Vicky and her fundraising team have raised for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital. The work they do there is amazing and much needed.

“At Swansea Building Society, we value our staff very highly, and so to be able to help Vicky and her family, with their close personal ties to the charity, makes it even more gratifying for us to be able to make this donation.”

Lead image: Noah’s Ark fundraisers (from left): Holly Padfield, Andrea May, Lucy Toutt and Vicky Toutt.