Full weekend of Giddo's Gift fundraising this month
Giddo's Gift was founded in memory of Jordan 'Giddo' Giddins, a courageous young man from Flint who sadly lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma in 2017, aged just 18. His mum, Mandy Giddins BEM, and sister, Beth Giddins, set up the charity to continue his legacy of helping other young people facing cancer.
The charity provides financial support and gift donations to young people aged 13 to 24 who are undergoing treatment for cancer, aiming to bring comfort, relief, and a sense of normality during an incredibly challenging time.
To mark Giddo's birthday, the charity is kicking off the weekend with a daring charity abseil down St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday, June 28. A team of 24 fundraisers - including BEM recipient Mandy, charity trustees, ambassadors, and long-time supporters - are taking part in the emotional challenge.
Participants are travelling from as far afield as Yorkshire, with Melanie Buckley, vice-chair of Flintshire Council and former Mayor of Flint, also among those descending the 62m drop.
Jordan Giddins (Image: Giddo's Gift)
More than £1,500 has already been raised ahead of the event, and the chosen location holds deep significance for the Giddins family.
Mandy said: 'Jordan spent a lot of time having treatment at Glan Clwyd Hospital, just minutes from St Asaph, so we passed the cathedral hundreds of times.
"Celebrating this day will never be the same without Jord but we remember his legacy and kindness, and the gift he was to us. When the vicar offered us this date, we just knew it was from Jordan. He wants us to do this.'
The weekend of events begins on Friday, June 27 with the annual Go Blue for Jord day. Schools, businesses and members of the community will don blue - Jordan's favourite colour and the colour of his beloved Manchester City FC - to raise awareness and funds for the charity that carries his name.
Mandy said: 'Year on year, the support we've received from the community is just incredible. But year on year, more young people are being referred to our charity – we can't stop now.
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"We ask that you wear blue on the Friday to remember our hero, and donate what you can so we can continue bringing joy and hope to others in a similar situation to what Jord went through.'
The commemorations close with Giddo's Football Tournament on Sunday, June 29 at Deeside Leisure Centre from 2-6pm. Teams are still welcome to sign up for the friendly competition by emailing hello@giddosgift.com.
Mandy added: 'This whole weekend is about celebrating who Jord was - his strength, his love of people, and his passion for life. He brought so many people together, and that's exactly what we'll be doing all weekend.
"It means the world to know we're still making a difference in his name.'
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