Gwrych Castle fundraiser receives big boost as first I’m a Celebrity episode airs

A fundraiser to improve facilities at Gwrych Castle has received a major boost after the first episode of I’m a Celebrity was aired tonight.

Excitement has been building in North Wales in the run-up to this year’s launch show of the ITV reality series presented by Ant and Dec with it being filmed near Abergele.

The trust which owns the 200-year-old castle has already received a significant financial injection towards its aim of restoring it to its former glory for letting it be used as the host location.

But the trust said the crew filming the show were having to rely on generators and water tanks as the Grade I listed country house is currently not connected up to the mains supply.

A gofundme page set up to rectify the situation has seen the amount of money raised shoot up in the immediate aftermath of tonight’s episode and now stands at almost £5,000 at the time of writing.

Explaining what the funds will go towards, the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust wrote the following on the page:

“We need your help to enable us to finally blow out the candles and bring light back to Gwrych Castle for the first time since the 1980’s! Pledge £5, or more!

“Join us in making a difference to a treasured piece of Welsh heritage, where your donation will help us to get mains water and power back to the site.

“The welcomed addition of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ has helped to carry out urgent works. However, they will be using generators and water tanks.

“For the castle to move forward long term, we need to connect to main supplies once again!

“Though services do not immediately sound romantic, this is a major step to bring the castle back to life once again.

“These services would immensely aid with restorative works in the main house, surrounding buildings and wider estate.

“We know that times are tough at the moment, so donations are even more appreciated. Help us turn on the taps and lights again, by donating and sharing this page to spread the word.

“Thank you for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us, and to countless others around the world.”