A FUNDRAISING campaign by Monmouth Rugby Club has helped raise more than £25,000 for a charity providing care for terminally ill children.

Monmouth RFC, in conjunction with Convey Law, engaged with 11 schools and youth clubs in the area to help raise more than £25,000 for the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.

The Snowdogs: Tails in Wales appeal saw the creation of 43 fibreglass structures standing 1.5m tall, with a specially-designed trail encouraging members of the public to view the exhibition: raising awareness and money for the charity.

Ty Hafan, which needs to raise more than £3,000,000 a year from private funding to survive, launched the Snowdog: Tails in Wales initiative in Cardiff last November, and for 10 weeks between 16th September and 26th November, the pack of Snowdogs were unleashed on to the city’s streets, iconic buildings and open spaces as part of the public art trail.

Monmouth RFC sponsored two Snowdogs and 11 smaller ‘puppy’ structures, which were decorated by schools and youth groups from the Monmouth community, and now the Snowdogs and puppies are being proudly displayed in the Shire Hall in Monmouth for the community to enjoy.

Lloyd Davies, chairman of Monmouth RFC and corporate ambassador for Ty Hafan, commented: “A massive thank you to Monmouth Rugby Club, Monmouth School Girls Prep School, John Kyrle Comprehensive School, Monmouth Pre-Prep and Nursery School, Monmouth Comprehensive School, Overmonnow School, Monmouth Boys Prep School, Monmouth Youth Service, Caerwent Youth Club and Griffithstown Primary School for your wonderful designs and participating in this incredible project.

“It is wonderful what can be achieved when a community comes together for such a fantastic cause.

“Please come along and visit the pack at Monmouth Shire Hall from Monmouth 29th January, to enjoy these beautiful creations and raise funds for the Ty Hafan Childrens Hospice.”

Snowdogs: Tails in Wales campaign director Sara Webber said: “So many precious moments have been made, for not only the children and families of Ty Hafan, but in uniting friends, families and communities to get out in the fresh air, rediscover the region and celebrate our culture - all for a fantastic cause. Seeing the smiles on so many children’s faces has put a value on this protect that cannot be measured.

“A huge thank you to Monmouth RFC, Convey Law and all of the schools and youth clubs across the Monmouth region for their wonderful support.”

Ty Hafan is one of the UK’s leading paediatric palliative care charities and provides care for terminally ill children and their families. The nurses and therapists work around the clock with the children and provide emotional and practical support for family members, to ensure the time the families have together are as precious as possible.

The puppies are to be given to the schools and youth groups in the next month, while it is expected the Snowdogs will remain outside the Shire Hall for some time.

To make a donation and to view a promotional video, look online at monmouthrfc.com