A RUTHIN woman is calling for support to help her organisation fund retreats for people living with chronic illnesses and their carers.

Joanna Davies set up not for profit organisation Wit and Grace last year.

It runs retreats which include holistic therapy, yoga, nutrition and counselling at a venue in Barmouth, called Ty Gwyn, and at the moment are offered at a charge.

But 53-year-old Mrs Davies hopes to secure sponsorship and grants to be able to subsidise them for people who don't have the means to pay for themselves.

She was inspired to start the organisation after seeing the benefits for herself.

Her father David died in 2017, aged 79, after developing Myeloid Leukaemia.

Mrs Davies, who grew up in Dunblane, spent many days helping her father during his illness.

She said: "Dad went down the conventional route of medicine with chemotherapy, blood tests and transfusions.

"He followed all of the advice of doctors and was grateful for all of the support given to him, as was I.

"Despite all of the care, I wanted to help him as much as I could too - and did this though gentle yoga, breathing techniques and meditation.

"It was a privilege and I thought if this is helping dad, it's going to help so many people - and not just the person who is going through it but their carers as well.

"I'd like to do retreats for carers too because they go through so much."

Mrs Davies said she hopes to tailor what Wit and Grace offers to make each retreat right for the individual.

The organisation also has an oncologist nurse and a holistic therapist.

Speaking of her hopes for the future, Mrs Davies added: "I am really hoping to bring more awareness to it - if people can help by donating, sponsoring or giving grants, that will help me to subsidise it so it can be for everyone."

To find out more, visit: https://www.witandgrace.org/