Little shack in middle of nowhere in rural Gwynedd has raised a quite shocking amount for charity

Nestled away amongst the beautiful countryside of the Llyn Peninsula is a unique charity shack that has raised an incredible amount of money for North Wales’ only children’s hospice. Run by primary school teaching assistant and lollipop lady Mair Jones at her home in the shadows of Garn Fadryn, is Cwt Gobaith.

It is a shop of pre-loved treasures run from a small shed, or Cwt in Welsh. The unique little shop at Gwelfor, just outside Llaniestyn, was conceived during the pandemic.

Mair mentioned to her husband, Arthur that she would like a shed. Days later, Arthur, a builder by trade, surprised her with a new shed on their driveway. Despite its extremely rural location she has raised £53,000 for Tŷ Gobaith in the Conwy Valley.

The Cwt has become so popular that in fine weather, Mair and Arthur fill rails and tables of clothes outside too alongside the Aladdin’s cave of homewares and toys.

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Mair explains how she came to learn of the hospice and what inspired her to begin direct fundraising: “I sadly lost my mother and brother in the same year, aged just 60 and 39. In their honour we did the Memory Walk in London, but the money we raised seemed to be going so far away and we wanted also to help local causes.

“I was introduced to Tŷ Gobaith’s work in about 2006 and since then have held many fundraising days at our home for tea and cakes. 120 people came on one day, but then the Covid pandemic hit and brought a stop to those gatherings.”

It was here in 2021 that Mair opened Cwt Gobaith with some donated homewares and clothes for people to buy out in the fresh air, socially distanced and with an honesty box for payment. The idea grew quickly with Mair soon receiving bags and bags of donations to sell and the shop becoming a real hit in the rural community with locals and visitors alike.

Mair said: “Without the community I couldn’t do it. People are taking pride in it and enjoy helping such a worthy cause. We have had great support and even visits from a bus of school children and Merched Y Wawr.

“Clothes and children’s toys are the best selling items. Last Christmas we handmade 340 wreaths which all sold.”

In total over the years, the Jones family’s efforts for good causes have raised over £100,000 for several charities. In 2023 Mair was honoured with investiture into the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod in Boduan and also invited for tea at Buckingham Palace just three days before King Charles’ coronation.

She said: "I cried when I received the letters from the Palace and Gorsedd. Going to Buckingham Palace was wonderful but entering the Gorsedd at an eisteddfod on the Llyn was very special and a true honour.”

Gwynedd area fundraiser for Tŷ Gobaith, Jenny Roberts said: “Cwt Gobaith is an inspirational idea and is so well supported. We can’t thank Mair and the community enough for their efforts. Every penny raised will help us to continue on our mission of reaching every local family and child in need of care, respite and support.”