THE parents of a Newport teenager who died of a terrifying mystery illness praised a “fantastic”

fundraising effort for fulfilling their dream of helping families with terminally ill or disabled children.

A little over three years ago Wayne and Rose Yendle, who lost their 13-year-old son, Ieuan, in 2007, started a memorial fund in his name.

The aim was simple, if ambitious – to raise more than £45,000 to buy a static holiday caravan, to be sited in West Wales, to provide free, much-needed breaks for the aforementioned families.

Born of Mr and Mrs Yendle’s grief, but using Ieuan as its inspiration, the Ieuan The Lion Memorial Fund has now raised more than £60,000, the specially adapted caravan is in place at Kiln Park, near Tenby, and the first family will take their holiday in July.

“It’s been a fantastic journey, lots of hard work, but we’ve been amazed and inspired by the support we’ve had,” said Mr Yendle.

“People have done us proud, over and over again, with events to raise money, and I know people have seen Ieuan’s story in the Argus and got in touch.

“We were fortunate enough to benefit from holidays like those we will be able to offer now, and we knowwhat great memories they can provide.

“I never doubted we would raise the money. It was daunting at first, but we are immensely grateful to everyone.

“Every pound raised deserves a thank-you.”

Ieuan died five years ago in July of an undiagnosed illness that had robbed him of his mobility, sight and speech. Mr and Mrs Yendle and his brothers, Louis and Ben, watched a bright, happy boy who loved singing and dancing deteriorate over a three-year period.

The cause of his disability and death eluded his doctors and a post-mortem examination also failed to determine it. Samples were sent to America in the hope that one day someone will be able to come up with an answer.

The fund was set up in the couple’s front room in Pill, and quickly developed a life of its own. “We wanted the caravan in place for Ieuan’s 18th birthday, and we’ve done that,” said Mr Yendle.

“In a way I think the easy part has been done. The caravan is there, families will begin to use it soon.

“Now we are committed to maintaining it, continuing to adapt it to the needs of those who will use it, pay the ground rent, organise the use. That is the fund’s focus now.”

‘Funds raised by real community effort’

FROM countless double-figure donations to one of more than £12,000 raised by staff at Lloyds TSB in Newport and match-funded by the company, the fund has brought contributions from individuals, businesses, schools, and other organisations, mostly in Newport and the surrounding area. “It has been a real community effort, and I’m thrilled Ieuan’s story has inspired people,” said Mrs Yendle.

For details of donations, forthcoming events, and more information on the fund and its aims, visit

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We salute your spirit

WE HAVE nothing but praise and admiration for Wayne and Rose Yendle.

The Newport couple suffered every parent’s worst nightmare five years ago when their 13-year-old son, Ieuan, died after a long battle against an undiagnosed illness.

Since then the Yendles have become champion fundraisers.

They are a wonderful example of turning an awful situation into a positive, uplifting story.

Three years ago Wayne and Rose set themselves a target of raising £45,000 to buy a static holiday home in West Wales to provide free breaks for other families with terminally ill or disabled children.

It seemed ambitious but the couple say they never doubted the generosity of Argus readers.

Nor should they. More than £60,000 has been raised so far for the Ieuan the Lion fund. The holiday home is ready for use in Tenby, and July will see the first family taking a break there.

It is a fantastic achievement and today we salute the Yendles and every single person who has dug deep to help them achieve their dream.

As your Argus today celebrates its 120th anniversary, Wayne and Rose Yendle represent the wonderful spirit shown by the people of Gwent throughout those years.

We are never surprised but always humbled by such stories. Long may we continue to report them.