A dedicated group of volunteers has made a profound difference to bereavement care at a Welsh hospital by funding a specialist bed designed to comfort grieving parents.
A Vital Space for Grieving Families
A generous grant from the Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire Sands group has provided a bespoke fitted pull-down bed for the bereavement room on the labour ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. The new installation, which cost more than £16,000, transforms the room into a more family-orientated environment. It allows bereaved parents to remain physically close and comfort one another during an incredibly difficult time.
The bereavement room is part of the newly built Labour Suite at the hospital. It is a fully self-contained space, featuring a kitchenette, a small dining area, and an ensuite bathroom. However, prior to this donation, it only offered a birthing bed and a single sofa bed. This setup limited the ability for partners to rest together and support each other properly.
Fundraising in Memory of Babies Gone Too Soon
The crucial funds were raised by Sands volunteers Hayley Vallance, Astra Shipton, and Sioned Twose. They organised a ‘burlesque-inspired’ charity night named ‘Zoo-la-la’ at Manor House Wildlife Park in September 2025. The event raised an impressive sum of more than £20,000.
The volunteer-led group, which supports anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, undertook the fundraising in memory of George, Owen, and all babies gone too soon. Their goal was to raise awareness of the vital support provided by Sands and the local Hywel Dda health board.
Transforming the Experience of Loss
Feedback from bereaved families, shared via Sands and local parent support groups, had consistently highlighted the need for a double bed in the room. This physical closeness is recognised as a powerful source of empathy and healing.
Alison Jones, Clinical and Operational Lead Midwife, explained the significance: “The loss of a baby is a devastating experience, and the environment in which families grieve can make a significant difference. This bespoke bed allows parents to be physically close, to hold each other, and to share their grief in a space that respects their need for privacy and comfort. It will have a profound impact.”
The volunteers echoed this sentiment. Hayley Vallance and Astra Shipton stated: “We hope this specialist bed will bring comfort and dignity to families during incredibly difficult times. Couples deserve the right to be together at such moments, and we feel honoured to have supported such a meaningful improvement to care within our community.”
Jen Coates, Director of Bereavement Support and Community and Volunteering at Sands, praised the effort: “We are so grateful to Hayley, Astra, and Sioned for all their hard work. By fundraising for this new bed, our amazing Sands volunteers have made a huge difference to bereaved families' experience at such a difficult time.”
