Fundraising Campaign for Ronald McDonald House Championed by Barry Round Table & 41 Club

Barry Round Table and Barry 41 Club have announced a year‑long fundraising campaign aiming to raise £5,000, the cost of funding a family room for an entire year at Ronald McDonald House, the charity that provides free accommodation to families with children receiving hospital care.

The campaign has been inspired by the experience of one member’s family, who were supported by Ronald McDonald House during their son Dylan’s long and complex medical journey.

The fundraising effort will feature three major events across 2026, including a static bike ride from Barry to Billericay and back, taking place at a local supermarket later in the year.

The campaign will officially begin with a Charity Bingo Night at Barry Town United’s Jenner Suite on Friday 26 June 2026 from 7pm, with tickets available via www.trybooking.com/uk/GPNR

Dylan’s Story

When Paul and Claire Bethell discovered they were expecting their first child, they never imagined the challenges that lay ahead. Their son, Dylan, was diagnosed at just three weeks old with Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia, a rare lung disease. He is the only known case in Wales and one of just five in the UK.

From birth to his fifth birthday, Dylan’s life revolved around Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, with weekly visits, emergency admissions, and stays in ICU and HDU. Over the years, he has undergone extensive treatment, including multiple scans, chest drains, surgeries, and interventions for repeated infections and complications.

Two years ago, Dylan underwent major scoliosis reconstruction surgery. In 2025, he faced further serious health battles, including double pneumonia on three occasions and a viral brain infection that temporarily shut down almost all bodily functions. The intensive treatments he has required have now led to a diagnosis of chronic liver disease.

Throughout this journey, Ronald McDonald House has been a lifeline for the family, providing accommodation, stability, and support during their most difficult moments.

In a message of thanks, the Bethell family said: “We cannot thank this wonderful organisation and staff enough for all the help and support they have given and continue to give, not just to us but every single family that requires it at their time of need.”

By raising £5,000, Barry Round Table and Barry 41 Club hope to ensure that other families facing long hospital stays can benefit from the same vital support.

Further details about each fundraising event will be shared throughout the year via barryroundtable.co.uk/ and through Barry Round Table’s social media channels: facebook.com/BarryRoundTable