Our Patron
Ceffylau Cadfarch Riders is very honoured to present opera singer, actress and long distance rider, Shân Cothi as our new Patron.
Shân’s numerous achievements include winning the prestigious Rhuban Glas singing contest at the National Eisteddfod, appearing in West End musicals, including taking the role as one of the leads in the ‘Phantom of the Opera’, hosting her own entertainment television shows, presenting a weekly radio programme and appearing in the hit Welsh drama 'Con Passionate' on S4C.
However despite Shân’s great professional success she was to suffer a devastating personal tragedy in 2007 when her husband Justin Smith, was sadly diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 42. Despite a brave fight, Justin, a TV editor and bassist with Welsh glam metal band Tigertailz, passed away in September of that year. After losing Justin, Shân and close friends decided to set up a registered charity in his name to raise awareness of this cruel disease, Amser Justin Time.
Shân, a blacksmith and farrier’s daughter from West Wales, has been involved with horses all her life. Never has her passion for horse riding been more evident than in 2008, when she decided to organise a marathon 300-mile horse ride through the heartland of Wales from north to south, to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and money for Amser Justin Time.
In August 2009 Ceffylau Cadfarch Riders is organising a special Patron’s Ride to raise money for the charity. Shân, her beloved horse Caio and many of her supporters will be attending the ride. The ride will be open to anyone and we hope that members especially will enter to welcome Shân and raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
The ride will be held at the annual Machynlleth Country Fair on Sunday the 16th of August, sponsorship forms and further details will be available very soon.
Shân’s comments on becoming our Patron:
“I'm thrilled and honoured to have been asked to become a Patron of Ceffylau Cadfarch Riders by such a wonderful, enthusiastic group of riders. Their fundraising work for various charities is to be highly commended and we at the 'Amser Justin Time' charity (Pancreatic Cancer Charity Wales) - in memory of my late husband, Justin Smith, who sadly died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 42, are truly grateful and humbled by your support.
Getting back in the saddle has been incredibly therapeutic for me and buying my horse Caio has been a saving grace during such a sad, traumatic time. Horse riding is a wonderful way to exercise my passion and provides a fabulous opportunity to get to know our beautiful, breathtaking Welsh countryside.
Not everyone is aware of my association with horses but being a blacksmith and farrier's daughter gives me good credibility and grounding. My father always says 'No foot no horse' so please excuse me If I check out your feet first!
Caio and I along with the Amser Justin Time team can't wait to explore the Machynlleth area together with Ceffylau Cadfarch Riders.
All the best in the future and happy horseriding!
Diolch o galon a phob lwc i'r gymdeithas.
Shan Cothi a chriw 'Amser Justin Time'” x
