Generous communities across South Wales have raised more than £16,000 to support children with life-limiting conditions, thanks to a series of fundraising tea parties and bake sales held throughout June. The money will enable Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice to continue providing essential care and comfort to children and their families during some of the most challenging times imaginable.
Campaign exceeds expectations
Organisers have hailed the campaign as a huge success, with the total surpassing last year's figure by over £6,000. Hundreds of people hosted events, many inspired by the care their own loved ones received from the hospice team. The funds raised will help the charity deliver respite, emergency care, and end-of-life support to families across the region.
Katie Carmichael, from Gorseinon in Swansea, hosted a tea party on June 20 to mark what would have been her baby daughter Harper's first birthday. Harper sadly died last year. Katie's event raised £594, boosting her overall fundraising total to more than £3,000 ahead of an upcoming skydive. Her employer, C&P Engineering, also supported her efforts by organising a golf day, while a colleague donated an additional £600 through a local Freemasons Lodge.
Personal tributes drive fundraising
Marie-Rose Parry, from Dunvant in Swansea, is planning her tea party for August 30 to remember her daughter Rachel on what would have been her 50th birthday. Rachel was born with spina bifida, a condition where a baby's spine does not form properly in the womb, and passed away just 20 minutes after birth. Marie-Rose and her family also lost their granddaughter Alys seven years ago, who received support from the hospice team during her illness. Marie-Rose explained that taking part is a way to thank the charity for helping families through difficult times.
In Llanelli, students at Ysgol Heol Goffa raised £575.43 by hosting an event packed with tea, cake, and live music. Shelley Kirkham, regional senior fundraiser for the hospice, said: "The school has a special connection with Tŷ Hafan, with several children who attend the school also receiving support from Tŷ Hafan. Ysgol Heol Goffa regularly supports Tŷ Hafan by helping at community events for local families."
Community spirit shines
In North Cornelly, Linda Harvey and her daughter Emma raised £685 after Linda's niece Laura and her partner Johnny lost their son Kian Drew in March. Linda said: "All of Kian's family came to the tea party and were so pleased to be able to support the event, as they truly appreciate all that Tŷ Hafan have done, and are indeed still doing for them." She continued: "It's been the most awful year. I visited Kian a few times at Tŷ Hafan and instantly knew I had to do something to say thank you."
Joanne Cahill, from Maesteg, held a tea party with her family on July 11 to remember her son Samuel, who passed away in 2007. Members of the Harmony Ladies Choir attended the afternoon to sing for guests and show their support. Joanne shared that a hospice support worker originally introduced her to the choir 18 years ago to help her cope with her loss.
Fundraising success praised
Rachel Ritter, head of fundraising for the charity, said: "This year's Tea for Tŷ Hafan has been an absolute success. Every cuppa brewed and every cake consumed has made a big difference and hopefully brought a lot of joy to all involved."
Anyone interested in hosting an event can register for a free pack online at the Tŷ Hafan website.
