Creative Couple Help to Raise £1000s for North Wales Children’s Charity
Creative couple Sylvia and John Harper are continuing decades of fundraising to support children across North Wales, with a regular craft stall at their independent living community, Tan y Fron in Llandudno.
“We’ve been fundraising for Happy Faces for over 25 years,” said Sylvia Harper, 81. “We’ve always worked hard, and love doing activities for charity.”
Husband and wife Sylvia and John have spent decades supporting charities with their fundraising efforts.
The couple’s commitment to helping others was prompted by their desire to spread generosity and use their talents to help worthy causes. When long-time friend Ray Herbert MBE founded Happy Faces, Sylvia decided to use her crafting talents to make and sell items to benefit the charity. She crochets hundreds of items, from bags, purses, mittens and accessories to greetings cards, homes accessories and candle holders. The proceeds from all the beautiful items which are sold, go to Happy Faces Children’s Charity which supports sick and underprivileged children and children with disabilities across North Wales.
Over the years the funds raised have helped to provide essential items including minibuses, computers, books, wheelchairs, and other beneficial items which the young recipients need.
“I started by knitting clown dolls, and over time expanded into lots of different crafts. We have sold items at craft fairs, community events, car boot sales – all over the place! We are always looking for new ways to support the charity.”
The couple’s creative backgrounds have played a significant role in their fundraising success. John, 90, is a musician while Sylvia trained as a dancer before developing her talents for crafting and writing. She has also published several books, including a series of children’s books and one about living with disability.
When the couple moved into Tan y Fron independent living scheme in July 2025, they established their fundraising ethos into the community. Encouraged by other residents and the scheme manager, they organised their first craft stall at the scheme.
The event was such a success that it has now become a regular feature with seasonal stalls, and a variety of fundraising events planned throughout the year.
“We’re delighted that Tan y Fron is a place where our residents can build on their passions, and it’s wonderful to see the residents supporting each other whilst raising money for worthwhile causes. We’re enormously proud of Sylvia and John.”
The couple have no plans to slow down. Said Sylvia: “We’re always coming up with new ideas, and even though myself and Ray are 81, and John is 90, we keep going and never stop!”
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s a case of – watch this space!”
For more information about Happy Faces Children’s Charity, visit: www.happyfaceschildrenscharity.org.uk
To find out more about Tan y Fron, visit: Tan Y Fron, Llandudno – Clwydalyn
Beautiful Items for Sale on Sylvia's Craft Stall
