THE loving wife and family of a Conwy dad have raised almost £13,000 in aid of a charity close to their hearts.

Nia Rowlands, 33, who lives in Llandudno Junction, felt inspired by the care her husband received at St David’s Hospice and wanted to give something back.
 Father of two Simon Rowlands, who was a car sales executive in North Wales, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2009. After many operations and moments of hope, in March 2014 he was told it was terminal, confirming there was no more treatment that could help.
 Ms Rowlands, a primary school teacher at Ysgol Y Felinheli, said: “Simon was a larger than life character – so happy and full of life. He could light up a room.
 “It was so unfair. He was having seizures, he lost his sight as the tumour had now wrapped itself around the optic nerve, then his speech. It is a cruel disease. It robs you of every bit of independence, bit by bit”.
 Simon was admitted to St David’s Hospice as an Inpatient, after a short time attending the Day Care Unit.
 Ms Rowlands said: “Our family were so looked after, the care was not just for Si, everyone was made to feel welcome. Many people associate hospices with older people, but it’s really not true."
 Simon received hospice care at St David’s Hospice for over a month and died in August 2014. 
 Starting with the Conwy Half Marathon three months later, Ms Rowlands' fundraising, and that of family and friends, has continued and led to raising £12,806.68 for the charity.
 Ms Rowlands, who has taken part in many events including the Hospice dragon boat challenge Colour Runs, said: “Simon loved to play golf and was a member of the North Wales Golf Club since 18, playing right up until he lost his sight. I told Simon about the idea of an annual Golf Memorial day, which he thought was great.”
 She plans to organise another golf memorial day for this year after she performs with her local drama group in the London’s West End show, Real Women.