Amy Penn, from Newport, South Wales, was just 21 when she died in June 2021. Born with congenital heart disease, she spent long periods in hospital throughout her life.
Her experiences shaped a commitment to supporting other young adults facing the emotional challenges that living with illness can bring, as well as the difficult transition from paediatric to adult care. She played an important role in inspiring the early vision of Daring to Dream.
Daring to Dream supports the emotional health of the 1.2 million adults in Wales living with physical illness, creating calm, non‑clinical ‘spaces to talk’ in hospitals and using music and conversation to help patients, families and staff find moments of connection and support during challenging times.
Before her passing, Amy chose Daring to Dream as one of her charities, a pledge her family and friends continue to honour.
“Amy’s memory remains so alive within Team Amy,” said Hayley Penn, Amy’s mother.
“Running through Cardiff for the fourth year in her honour keeps her purpose strong. Raising funds and awareness for Daring to Dream ensures that even in her absence, Amy continues to inspire and support others, a legacy that lives on through every step we take together.”
Team Amy is made up of Amy’s friends; Ryan Denning, Holly Harper, Beth Doughty, Asia Ratkusic and Joe Doughty all from Newport, who run each year in her memory.
One of Amy’s closet friends Josie Ash, who is an Ambassador for Daring to Dream, said that Amy’s values continue to guide her and her running friends.
She said, “Amy was an inspiration to so many people, but to me, she was a best friend. She brought positivity wherever she went. Having experienced the transition from children’s wards to adult care herself, she knew how overwhelming it could be.
“She believed in creating calm, welcoming spaces in hospitals where patients could step away from the clinical environment. I feel honoured to help continue her legacy of kindness and understanding.”
Daring to Dream’s founder and Chair, Barbara Chidgey, said Amy’s influence remains central to the charity’s mission.
She said, “Amy has been a huge inspiration for me personally. Building a charity is tough, and when challenges arise, Amy’s memory reminds me to just keep going.
“Her mum once told me, ‘Amy loved her life, Amy lived her life.’ That captures our vision of supporting emotional health so people can live as fully as possible, even when life is shaped or shortened by illness.”
Daring to Dream is grateful to everyone running with Team Amy and for the charity, for helping to raise awareness of the importance of emotional support for patients across Wales.
To support Team Amy and contribute to hospital emotional‑health projects, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/teamamy