A canoe polo tournament in memory of two respected young men has raised an incredible £1,000 to be shared between two important charities.
The successful charity weekend event was held in memory of passionate canoe polo players Iwan Lavis, 23, and Gareth Howes, 16. It was hosted by Aberfan Canoe Club recently, and funds were raised for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Noah’s Ark Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Iwan passed away suddenly in May this year, and the Wales Air Ambulance was called out to Gareth at his home three years ago.
The event brought together players and friends from across the UK. This included teams from London, Derby, Oxford, Pennine, Bristol and beyond, demonstrating just how deeply loved both young men were within the canoeing community.
Despite a weekend of torrential rain, spirits remained high as everyone got stuck in. The format was different from the usual setup but mixing the teams proved to be ‘a huge success – competitive, enjoyable, and full of camaraderie’.
During the weekend, participants praised the organisation and the friendly but fierce competition that reflected the passion Iwan and Gareth had for the sport.
Gareth’s father, Rob, said: “I’m pleased to say the event went ahead. Although the weather was atrocious, we still managed over 50 smiling and very competitive paddlers on the water at Taff Bargoed Lakes near Nelson.
“Fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance is personal to me. They attended Gareth at our home back in July 2022, for which my wife and I will always be grateful.”
Rob added: “Although it’s now been 3 years, unfortunately, where your child is concerned, time doesn’t heal or make it any easier. Gareth’s smile and nature were very infectious, and it was one of the reasons he was loved by so many.”
The Wales Air Ambulance also holds a special place in the hearts of Iwan’s family, after Iwan’s mum, Fiona, passed away from a brain aneurysm in 2013.
The Wales Air Ambulance crew came to Fiona’s aid and provided ‘exceptional care, leaving a lasting impact’ on the Lavis family.
The Lavis family has fundraised endlessly for the all-Wales charity since Fiona’s death, with fundraisers including running the Cardiff Half Marathon, a dance-a-thon, fun days, and mud runs, to mention just a few.
Iwan has been described as a devoted canoe polo player for the Rhondda Rhinos and was known for his kindness, humour, and unwavering support for younger players. Last year, he ran the Swansea Half Marathon for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, raising £330.
Iwan’s sister, Nia, said: “Iwan was described by all who knew him as someone who “ate, breathed, and slept” the sport.
“Away from the water, he excelled in his role as a support worker in Rhondda, where his compassion and dedication touched many lives. His passing has left a huge void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the canoeing community.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third-sector and public-sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency critical care.
Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “It is heartwarming to hear that the canoeing community came together to remember such wonderful, respected men. Despite the bad weather, over 50 people turned up from across the UK and helped raise an incredible £1,000 in memory of Gareth and Iwan.
“We’re incredibly grateful to both families and the club for their support, and we are touched to have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from this event. Both are excellent causes, and the organisers and participants should be incredibly proud of the amount of money they raised.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported the event. Every pound raised will help keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road throughout Wales.”
