A Llanfachraeth landlady who has raised money for charity and taken an active role in looking after people in the area is my April Hidden hero.
Liz Mangan moved to Llanfachraeth nine years ago to run the Gwesty Holland Hotel and had planned to stay only a few weeks.
However, a warm reception from local people made her family feel welcome, they stayed and Liz decided to give back to the village community.
It started with a funday to raise money for Tŷ Gobaith and then Liz created a team for Relay for Life to raise money for them every year, even raising over £20,000 through lockdown alone.
She now concentrates on local charities such as Cwsg Babi Cwsg, the many wards in the hospital, local families, and anyone genuinely needing help.
Easter egg drives, Santa grottos, bingo, race nights, Halloween kids party, Quiz nights are also on the agenda either for free or for charity, Liz explained.
“It definitely makes me feel good helping,” she said. “Charity aside, we also try to do as much stuff for the kids and adults of the village, just a way of saying thank you for having us and putting up with us.
“We do a Tuesday club for the elderly and vulnerable. They get free sandwiches and tea or coffee and a place where they can be warm in the winter and have a friendly conversation and in the summer, we call it a Safe Space - the same but without the heating and log fire.
“It’s been a brilliant success. We also arrange ice cream vans or waffle vans to park up and give free stuff out to the kids and we pay at the end.
“We love everything that we do. I do have to give a big appreciation to my husband. I think we would be divorced by now if he wasn’t so supportive.”
Liz has been a tireless community champion in Llanfachraeth and the surrounding villages for nearly a decade now raising money and caring for local people who need support and help.
Her work is a wonderful advertisement for the generosity we have here on Ynys Môn in so many areas and I am delighted she is my April Hidden Hero.
