A CRISIS brings out the best and worst in people, say a husband and wife duo after they completed a gruelling fundraiser for a cause close to their hearts.

Melody Dean and her husband Craig put on their walking shoes to complete a fundraising challenge - walking up Moel Famau every day in June.

The aim was to raise funds for NEWCIS which supported the Denbighshire couple throughout lockdown.

When Craig's mother, Glenys, was taken seriously and terminally ill in December 2020, the pair decided to take action.

During the third lockdown, they cared for Craig’s mother and father (Glenys and Dave) with the help and support from NEWCIS.

Melody said: “We decided to have Craig’s mum and dad stay with us so we could care for them. Sadly his mum passed away in March and then his dad went downhill. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia and NEWCIS just helped enormously.

“We never had experience before so it was very intense, emotional and difficult. It was something we wanted to do with the lockdown, if they went into a care home there would have been restrictions.

“NEWCIS were really helpful on an emotional and practical level. They were able to get respite for us and ensure funding because we were both self-employed and not working during the lockdown.

“Unfortunately Craig’s dad deteriorated further and has settled into a Llangollen care home but we wanted to do something to say thank you and to raise awareness and just to give back what we took from it.”

Melody and Craig decided to do a hike a day for a whole month and have so far managed to raise over £1,000, with more donations coming in.

Melody added: “It was hard. Both Craig and I do like walking but carving out a space to hike when working and other commitments is quite a challenge.

“We only live 20-minutes away which doesn’t sound far but I work in Chester so coming from Chester after a really long day as a pilates teacher to go up a mini hill is harder than you think.

“The other thing we did which was nice was we set up a private group and if anyone wanted to join we posted our hiking times so we had company a lot of the time.

“We met people in similar situations, people who didn’t want to hike alone or who wanted someone to talk to.

“I always think that no matter how bad you feel, if you get outside in nature and absorb yourself, it helps clear your mind.

“So although it was a challenge, it was a bit of healing after everything that happened to us.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the fundraising page.

Claire Sullivan CEO at NEWCIS said: "NEWCIS were delighted when Melody informed us that she was going to walk up Moel Famau each day in June.

"The dedication, strength and commitment she has shown this month is an amazing achievement and to dedicate the fundraised monies to our service is fantastic.

"Every penny of this money will go to our carers in crisis fund and we can't thank Melody and her husband enough for supporting our carers."