newsletter spring/summer 2015

cwtchour news and stories from tyˆ hafan

thank you from t ˆy hafan

inside open your eyes keeping oscar’s new kitchen the to women who hardly memory alive heart of the hospice close theirs p.08 p.10 p.12 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org welcome Accepting the fact that your child needs hospice care is almost impossible. Yet, from our very first visit to T yˆ Hafan, we knew it was the right decision for our family.

Caring for our son, Peter, is a 24 hour a day job and, no matter how much we tried to deny it, we simply couldn’t manage without support. Four year old Peter has an undiagnosed neurological thank you condition and was referred to T yˆ Hafan in March 2012.

Last year, T yˆ Hafan celebrated its 15th year of providing vital support to families in a similar situation to ours from all over Wales. It is the family aspect that really makes T yˆ Hafan what it is. The care they provide Peter with is exemplary, meaning that Elizabeth and I can relax during our stay, but a visit to T yˆ Hafan is also an event for our daughter, Emily.

Emily loves to come and play at T yˆ Hafan. She met Pudsey Bear for being at the Children in Need pyjama party, performed in the Christmas Panto and blew out the candles on the 15th birthday cake. It means she can be the centre of attention and really enjoy her time with her brother.

Of course, Peter also loves to get his hands dirty at T yˆ Hafan. The play sessions allow him to use all of his senses and help him to develop in ways that we would struggle to help him with at home. Forthere 15 years, the people of Wales have This only highlights to me the importance of T yˆ Hafan to the offered their support to Tyˆ Hafan and their families of children with life-limiting conditions in Wales. It is the whole family that benefits from their care, whether on a visit to the generosity has meant so much to the hospice itself or out in the community. families that benefit from our services.

Thank you to all of T yˆ Hafan’s supporters for the incredible effort Everything worthwhile starts with an idea or a dream you put in so that the charity can keep providing this care to and only with the drive and will of the supporters can families like ours and allow us to create these precious moments. that idea become a reality. For 11 years, the ambition of Suzanne Goodall and the support of many, including Richard Harmsworth Princess Diana, Luciano Pavarotti and the South Wales T yˆ Hafan parent Echo, led to the opening of the first children’s hospice in Wales when Tyˆ Hafan finally opened in January 1999. Last year, we celebrated the achievements and the progress that the hospice and outreach programme contents has made in its first 15 years. This year, we want to say a big thank you to you for what we have achieved thank you for being there...... 02 thanks to your generosity as we move into the next 15 captain’s run...... 04 years and beyond. famous faces...... 05 Without our fundraisers, volunteers and ambassadors who give up so much to help Tyˆ Hafan to provide vital elain and bridget open 28th shop in aberystwyth...... 06 support to the families who depend on us, it simply finding a fab wedding dress for mum...... 07 would not be possible. wales onesie walk...... 08 keeping oscar's memory alive...... 10 new state-of-the-art kitchen...... 12 top chefs raise £125,000...... 14 Thank you, thank you christmas appeal...... 16 because you can leave your mark...... 18 without our 2014 christmas raffle...... 19 you, there would our lottery...... 19 walking the walk with fundraiser phil dennis...... 20 be no Tyˆ Hafan fantastic fundraising effort...... 22 help us be there for another 15 years...... 23 2 spring/summer 2015 thank you for being there

3 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org captain’s run Iwan, Milo and a number of families were lucky enough to meet Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips, Alex Cuthbert and other members of the Wales squad at the Captain’s Run as they prepared to take on the mighty All Blacks in the Millennium Stadium.

The Captain’s Run is always a special event for the families who use Tyˆ Hafan’s services. It is a chance to get up close willow and personal with many of their heroes. To the players' credit, they never showed an walking ounce of the nerves they must have been feeling before taking Regular readers of Cwtch will recognise on the powerhouse of world Willow Matthews. This beautiful little girl rugby that is New Zealand. is connected to a ventilator throughout the day and night due to a respiratory A special thanks to Mark condition called Central Hypoventilation. Douglas (Natwest Regional Despite doctors' fears that she wouldn’t Director of Wales) and survive beyond her first few days, Willow has Natwest for their support and consistently surpassed all expectations and organisation of the event. what she continues to achieve is incredible Mark said: “I always like to and inspirational. support our local charities. Mum, Kelly, managed to capture Willow We’ve managed to do taking her first steps on video, a precious something with Tyˆ Hafan and moment that she and her family can now the WRU every year for the enjoy over and over again. last few years. It is one of the most rewarding experiences Watch the video by visiting I’ve been involved in and I am www.tyhafan.org/video-gallery looking forward to doing more.”

4 spring/summer 2015 run famous faces bring christmas joy to the hospice

December was packed full of visits from famous faces bringing early Christmas presents to the children who visited the hospice.

Every Monday and Friday joy. You can’t help but laugh and their close personal friends, Tyson Marsh brought some of morning during December, enjoy yourself with them!” Mr Claus and his most trusted his Cardiff Devils teammates to Tyˆ Hafan staff are joined by our elf, who delivered gifts to all the deliver yet more fantastic gifts We were very pleased to wonderful corporate partners, children in the hospice. for the hospice families, before see Wales rugby star Leigh such as Admiral and EE, to take spending time talking to their Halfpenny in the audience David Marshall, Sean Morrison, part in the Christmas panto. fans and posing for photos. for the last, and very best, Matthew Connolly, Federico Anyone who has seen one of performance of the year. Leigh, Macheda, Tom Adeyemi and Both groups of players have these festive epics will know who has visited the hospice of Cardiff City become firm friends with that everyone involved gives on a number of occasions and FC made a visit to the hospice Tyˆ Hafan having visited an Oscar worthy performance. is one of our Ambassadors, to sign some goodies and meet previously and it was fantastic There are no extras, only stars. provided festive precious the families. They even had a to invite them back over the Hannah Bending from Admiral moments to children and their good go at making mince pies. Christmas period. wouldn’t have missed the families as he posed for photos The players also brought an opportunity to take part this year with everyone in attendance, amazing haul of presents having loved the experience last including more than a couple of kindly donated by Hasbro, so a year. She said: “I love Tyˆ Hafan Tyˆ Hafan staff. massive thank you to you all. as it’s such a magical place. Tyˆ Hafan Ambassadors, Rhodri As well as how vibrantly the and Lucy Owen, also stopped “I love Tyˆ Hafan hospice is decorated, the staff by to take in a panto and were are just amazing and so full of brilliant sports, bringing along – it’s such a magical place”

5 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org

elain and bridget open 28th shop in aberystwyth Another famous face in the pages of Cwtch is inspirational Tyˆ Hafan mum, Bridget James, who you might remember ran 13 half marathons in 13 days to raise funds for Tyˆ Hafan.

Bridget and her beautiful Our shop count is now 28, Donations of good quality daughter Elain, from with two Emporium and three clothing, books, toys, CDs and Aberystwyth, were the official Outlet stores, across the whole DVDs are all very welcome ribbon cutters at the opening of south Wales. All Tyˆ Hafan’s and we are always looking for of the latest Tyˆ Hafan shop in shops have a reputation for volunteers to help out at our Aberystwyth. being pleasurable places to shops. Find out more by visiting browse and find high-quality www.tyhafan.org/shop- Bridget said; “Elain loves Tyˆ bargains and the latest volunteer. Hafan. They are a lifeline for addition is no exception. us and help our family create As Cwtch goes to press, special memories which we’ll the 29th shop is due to open cherish forever.” in March.

The black and white branding is in keeping with other shops in Aberystwyth

6 spring/summerspring 2015 finding a fab wedding dress for a fab mum

Retail Operations Manager, Penny Collins, and her fantastic crew of shop staff have played their part in one mother's happy day.

Just before Christmas, Angela and Stephen have of silk, satin, crystals and I spent a lovely morning been great supporters of tiaras. The rest of us Oo’d with Angela Newman, a T yˆ Hafan and along with and Ahh’d while Angela bereaved mum, and Shirley little Alice Hicks’ parents twirled and posed. It was like Valentino, a Family Support Ian and Hannah, helped to watching a little girl try on Practitioner at Tyˆ Hafan. raise more than £4,000 by princess dresses…such fun! Angela needed our help holding a tea party to mark We debated, decided, to find a wedding dress. our 15th anniversary. changed our minds, Angela Angela and partner, We had our mission, we had tried on the first one again Stephen, were referred chosen to accept it and off (I think you’ll find that’s a to Tyˆ Hafan shortly after we went to our Emporium ladies prerogative) and we the birth of their daughter, shop in Cowbridge. For changed our minds again. Katie, in 2011. Katie was months, Tyˆ Hafan shops Then Angela tried on born with hypoplastic across Wales had been on the very last dress… left heart syndrome and the lookout for a special dress the moment she slipped was transferred from the and, thanks to their help, it on, there was a little gasp neonatal intensive care unit we had eight stunning gowns from everyone and we could in Bristol to Tyˆ Hafan at six for Angela to choose from. see from Angela’s face that days old. Katie, sadly, died in Angela was treated to some this was the one. It fit like Stephen’s arms just half an five star service by shop a glove and she looked hour later, surrounded staff Nina and Sophie. She like a princess…mission by her family. disappeared into a blur accomplished!

“The moment she slipped it "We had a mission, on, there was a we had chosen to little gasp from accept it and off everyone” we went to our Emporium shop in Cowbridge"

7 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org

help mums who rarely have a good night’s sleep

The majority of us Nichola’s little boy, Lewis, five, changing soiled bedding, has Tuberous Sclerosis and, washing him and feeding will think nothing like so many of the children him. Of course, seizures, pain of having a good supported by Tyˆ Hafan, and the fuss can cause Lewis requires 24 hour care. distress, so comforting him is night’s sleep. It is very important too.” “When I think of my daily a necessary part routine, it really starts at When the morning finally of our routine and midnight rather than the more arrives, then comes the day to something we take normal 6am or 7am,” Nichola day tasks of keeping a home, said. “Matthew and I take turns meal times and the school for granted. But for to sleep on a sofa bed in Lewis’ run with daughter Holly, along women like Nichola room. An average night would with caring for Lewis and involve pain management, organising appointments and Smith, a good night’s including medication and ordering medication. sleep is a rare thing. abdomen massages,

8 spring/summer 2015

wales onesie walk, 26 june 2015 please visit walesonesiewalk.co.uk

Sleep is at a premium. for Tyˆ Hafan means that it can 10km route or a 5km route new continue to offer their support to for 2015, with the walk due to Which is why Nichola is such a so many families in Wales, not end at midnight. It will be a supporter of the Wales Onesie just giving them the night off, fantastic night of fun and, as Walk, previously known as but offering different therapies well as the walk, there will be Midnight Sleep Walk, and raising and the chance to enjoy the pamper sessions, a UV disco, awareness of the challenges time we get to spend with our karaoke, games and prizes families like hers face. loved ones.” before the event and the usual “I’d like to thank all the ladies glow packs and giveaways. Nichola will be taking part who take part in the Midnight again in the Tyˆ Hafan night For more information on Sleep Walks. They are genuinely time walk, which has had a Wales Onesie Walk, great fun, spirited nights, but makeover. This year you are please visit also highlight some of the required to wear your ONESIE www.walesonesiewalk.co.uk. difficulties that families face,” and have your choice of the Nichola said. “Raising money

9 cwtch our newsour andnews stories and stories from t ˆyfrom hafan t ˆy hafan 029 2053 029 2199 2053 www.tyhafan.org2199 www.tyhafan.org keeping oscar’s memory alive

Tyˆ Hafan’s support will be there for a bereaved family for as long as it is needed and so many of these inspirational families continue to help Tyˆ Hafan in their own amazing ways.

“This year’s fundraising has been far more emotional as we are now raising funds in memory of our gorgeous son Oscar”

The ongoing support offered to Dad, Andrew said: “Oscar so they brought him to Tyˆ “Hannah has been absolutely families can be as important was fine when he was born Hafan. Two weeks into their amazing. I really don’t know as the care the child receives. and doing really well, but one stay and with his condition how we would have coped The strain on the family when Wednesday afternoon when gradually improving, they were without her support,” Andrew their child or sibling dies is he was six months old, Jen able to take him home. said. “One of the proudest enormous, no matter how picked him up and he was moments for me was walking “He was fine for the next six prepared they have been. all floppy and white so she him though the chapel at his months, and then, all of a Tyˆ Hafan will continue to be rang an ambulance. When we funeral. Jen carried him into the sudden, he was gone,” said there for parents like Jen and found out about his condition, world and I carried him out.” Andrew. Andrew Evans for as long as we were hoping they had And Tyˆ Hafan’s support will be we are needed. made a mistake.” Their Tyˆ Hafan Family Support available to Jen and Andrew Practitioner, Hannah Williams, Little Oscar Evans sadly lost A day before Oscar’s second for however long they need it. helped the family organise his battle with a rare genetic birthday in December 2013, his Oscar’s funeral and his “They are always on the end of condition called Menkes condition deteriorated rapidly celebration of life which was the phone. If we ever want to Disease on 1 June 2014, aged and the couple were told to held at . visit or even rant at someone, just two-and-a-half. prepare for the worst, 10 spring/summerspring 2015 keeping oscar’s memory alive

they are always there,” said Andrew said: “We took part in Oscar’s memory so they can Andrew. the challenge in 2013, raising help more families like ours.” just short of £5,000. In 2014, we “One of the proudest To keep Oscar’s memory alive, For 15 years, Tyˆŷ Hafan has decided to double the challenge Jen and Andrew, together been there for families of and cycle from Cardiff to Brecon moments for me was with their family and friends, children with life-limiting the night before, completing a have been on a fundraising conditions in Wales and total of 104 miles in two days. walking Oscar though mission for Tyˆ Hafan and have will continue to offer the managed to raise more than “This year’s fundraising has been very best care and support the chapel at his £10,000 in just five months. far more emotional as we are wherever and whenever now raising funds in memory it is needed. funeral. Jen carried him Andrew and his team, Oscar’s of our gorgeous son Oscar. Army, cycled from Cardiff to Find out more about Tyˆ Hafan into the world and Brecon before getting back “We are part of the Tyˆ Hafan events by going to on their bikes the very next day family now. We will never forget www.tyhafan.org/ I carried him out” to tackle Tyˆ Hafan’s Taff Trail what they have done for us and ty-hafan-events/ Cycle Challenge in September. will continue to raise funds in

11 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org new state-of-the-art kitchen is the heart of the hospice They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this is true at Tyˆ Hafan – the hospice for children in Wales.

Ever since Tyˆ Hafan opened in designed to provide families “We are delighted with the new enjoyed a visit to Tyˆ Hafan and 1999, the kitchen and dining with greater independence kitchen and we can’t thank our were incredibly impressed with area has been a hive of activity while resident at the hospice. supporters enough for making the new kitchen before they and is described by families it happen.” enjoyed decorating cakes with Jayne Saunders, Director of and staff as the “hub” of the children and families. Care at Tyˆ Hafan, said: “We aim The impressive kitchen boasts building. to create a homely atmosphere brand new equipment, It costs £3.7m a year to provide Whether families are enjoying for our families which is why including top-of-the-range our state-of-the art facilities a home-made cooked meal the new kitchen is a wonderful ovens and fridges, a new at Sully and our support or a member of staff is having addition to the hospice. store room and a separate, services to families out in a comforting cup of tea, it has The refurbishment provides smaller kitchen for parents and the community. To make a always been a well-loved a positive and uplifting families to enjoy. B&M Stores, donation please visit area. But, after 15 years of use, environment and the feedback Dow Corning, Next PLC, Phillips www.tyhafan.org the kitchen started looking tired we’ve had from families has Griffiths, RACS Limited, Ray of and in need of an upgrade. been fantastic. Light Trust, RWE Npower, Seren Contractors, Sigma 3 Kitchens, Today, the kitchen has been “The kitchen and living St James’s Place Foundation, completely transformed room area is a space for Wallace & Gromit Foundation thanks to tireless fundraising families to relax, providing and Zurich Community Trust by the public and significant opportunities for parents to have all made significant donations from local chat together and perhaps Did you know donations to the kitchen businesses. The £140,000 share experiences. Families refurbishment. refurbishment offers state- can use the new domestic that the new of-the-art catering facilities, kitchen to cook their own food, Four top chefs who took part cooker can cook opportunities for cookery eat a takeaway or even just sit in Chefs’ Night Out – a gala therapy and a separate back to watch TV with a cup of dinner which raised funds for a sausage from domestic kitchen specifically tea or coffee. Tyˆ Hafan on 31 January – frozen in six minutes?

12 spring/summerspring 2015

Top-of-the-range ovens and fridges, a new store room and a separate, smaller kitchen for parents and families to enjoy

13 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org

Another highly successful Chefs’ Night Out event saw a small army of top chefs star chefs from in and around Wales raise over £125,000 for Tyˆ Hafan. The initiative organised by David Loosemore raise and Huw Edwards has now raised over £425,000 for Tyˆ Hafan since its first staging £125,000 in 2010. for tyˆ hafan at chefs’ night out 2015

14 spring/summer 2015

The Parc Thistle Hotel David Loosemore, whose Huw Edwards, organiser of the Katie suffers from a life- in Cardiff, who recently eight-year-old daughter, Bella, event said: “The overwhelming threatening heart condition announced Tyˆ Hafan as their benefits from the charity’s generosity, given in both time called Hypertrophic charity of the year and have services, said: “The night went and money, is what makes our cardiomyopathy and has pledged to raise £10,000 incredibly smoothly, thanks to event so special. We would like been in and out of hospital through our exciting Pay for a our dedicated team and the to offer a huge thank you to all hundreds of times since she Day initiative, hosted the event skill and camaraderie of our the amazing chefs, the suppliers, was a baby. She enjoyed a for the second time. chefs. the hotel and, of course, all makeover before the event of the guests who have all thanks to John Lewis and the The event included an auction "We have raised a vast helped to raise an incredible Vanilla Rooms in Cardiff and of chefs services, which raised amount of money for this amount for Tyˆ Hafan.” Stardust Boutique in Swansea. £95,000, with 2014 Masterchef wonderful cause and Huw Champion Ping Coombes and I can’t thank our team Teenager Katie Palmer and Ben Underwood, General receiving the highest bid of enough. Special mention must her mum, Lisa, from Tonyrefail, Manager of The Parc Thistle £15,000, to create a dinner also go to our guest of honour, were two other very special Hotel said: “We are absolutely party at the winner’s home. Katie Palmer, who regularly guests. Katie, 17, was referred thrilled to have supported attends Tyˆ Hafan. Her words to Tyˆ Hafan when she was 13 Chefs' Night Out and are The 14-strong culinary cast touched the room and I’m sure and describes the children’s so chuffed with the amount of chefs volunteering their contributed to bidders digging hospice as “a wonderful, raised. It is particularly fitting time and skills included top that little bit deeper.” loving place and every for us as Tyˆ Hafan is our official chefs Hwyel Jones, James member of staff is so truly charity this year, we couldn’t Sommerin, Stephen Terry welcoming and comforting.” be happier with this success.” and Will Holland. For information on future Chefs’ Night Out events, please visit www. chefsnightout.co.uk

father's praise for tyˆ hafan Peter Russ and his wife, Sharon, from Templeton, Pembrokeshire, attended a Chefs’ Night Out pop-up event at The Grove in Narberth which saw three Michelin-starred chefs cook an exquisite six-course menu for guests at the award-winning west Wales restaurant and raised more than £5,000 for Tyˆ Hafan. Their 17-year-old son, Connor, suffers from a genetic disorder, epilepsy and cerebral palsy and “It was a fantastic needs needs around-the-clock care. Speaking at the event, Peter event and we are described the realities of caring for Connor and how Tyˆ Hafan’s truly humbled by support has been “life-changing” for his family. the generosity of He said: “Tyˆ Hafan has done so the guests and the much for our family and it was a real honour to speak about the marvellous chefs” care and support they have given our family over the years.” www.chefsnightout.co.uk

15 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org thank you - christmas appeal

We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to our Precious Moments Christmas Appeal. Thanks to your generosity we raised a fantastic £37,450!

Your donations will support sleep a night, because Liorah together that the family never media platforms and we life-limited children throughout has to have medication dreamed would be possible. reached over 150,000 people Wales, like Liorah McCarthy, at regular intervals to keep on Facebook. The campaign Thanks to your support we are and help make more precious her alive. was our first time making use of able to continue to support moments for their families. Pinterest too, so make sure that Tegan spoke of the wonderful families in Wales, like the you follow or ‘like’ us on all the You may remember reading love and support Tyˆ Hafan has McCarthys, to create precious major social networks. the heart-felt messages about given to her and her family. moments and memories with Liorah from her mum, Tegan and Liorah loves staying at Tyˆ Hafan their children that they will Grandad, John. Liorah was born and is especially fond of the always remember. with serious brain damage and hydrotherapy pool and the Our Precious Moments suffered two major strokes in the playground. Tegan and Liorah Christmas Advent Calendar first few days of her life. Liorah have had many precious was a huge success across needs constant care and Tegan moments together at Tyˆ Hafan a number of different social survives on just four to five hours and have experienced things Your donations support children with life-limiting conditions throughout Wales

16 spring/summerspring 2015 pudsey party marks children in need grant for tyˆ hafan

The hospice threw a Pudsey Party to celebrate being awarded a £107,238 grant from BBC Children in Need. Pudsey himself surprised the pyjama wearing families and staff who were enjoying face-painting and cake decorating in the hospice. The grant will go towards funding a full-time Palliative Care Play Therapist for the next three years.

x-factor winner's single in phillip’s aid of together for short lives 24-hour live tv marathon for text santa!

TV presenter Phillip Schofield took part in an exciting TV marathon on Monday 1 December, as the official kick start of ITV’s annual fundraising charity extravaganza - Text Santa! One of the six charities supported by the appeal was Together for Short Lives and, like with proceeds from the X-Factor’s winner's single, will help The hotly contested race for Christmas Number One was once again won by the Tyˆ Hafan to raise the funds required newly crowned X-Factor winner. Ben Haenow’s single, ‘Something I Need’, beat Mark to keep offering the service so Ronson to the coveted top spot. important to the families we support. Together for Short Lives, the UK charity that supports children with life-limiting conditions was the beneficiary of the proceeds of the single, meaning that Tyˆ Hafan benefits too. Well done Ben and a massive thank you to the X-Factor. #givingtuesday thunderclap For #givingtuesday on 2nd December, we tried out our first Thunderclap. With 104 supporters all sharing our post on Facebook and Twitter at the exact same time, we encouraged over 53,000 people to dig 17 it out, bag it up and drop it off for Tyˆ Hafan. cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org you can leave your mark right here in Wales We all leave our mark on the world in different ways, no matter how long we live. A child with a short life deserves to leave their priceless mark on the world too.

Archie and his family first came to Tˆy Hafan when he was just six Brad, Lauren and baby Sam tell their story in our new video at months old, having been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder www.tyhafan.org/leaveyourmark. called Tay-Sachs disease. Once you have remembered your loved ones, leaving a gift in your Despite struggling with the idea of bringing their son to Tˆy Hafan, Will is a great way to help children all across Wales. when Archie’s parents saw how bright and colourful the space is and how content Archie felt, they began to relax. Whether he was If you would like more information, contact us on having music therapy or sitting peacefully in our sensory room, 029 2053 2265 or email [email protected]. You can also visit Archie lit up the whole place with his smile. www.tyhafan.org/leaveagift. Brad and his wife, Lauren, chose to spend Archie’s final days at Tˆy Hafan, making precious memories with their son in the most comfortable environment for them. Archie’s life was limited to just two and a half short years, but the mark he made at Tˆy Hafan will last forever. “We never expected to be part of the Tˆy Hafan family, but we are really One in five of glad they are part of our the children we lives after what we went support is cared through” for thanks to gifts in Wills

18 spring/summerspring 2015 our 2014 christmas raffle was a record breaker!

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who took part in the Christmas raffle and made it the most profitable Tyˆ Hafan raffle to date bringing in a whopping £90,000!

The raffle was drawn at Tyˆ Hafan on 18 December with help from Congratulations to all of our lucky winners, especially Cardiff City Captain David Marshall, along with Rhys Boggis Mrs Kriescher from Bridgend who won our top prize of £3,000! and dad Anthony (pictured). When we asked Anthony about the Keep your eyes peeled for our Summer raffle which will be hitting Christmas Raffle he told us: “It’s amazing how many people have doormats across Wales in May and will this year include an supported Tyˆ Hafan by joining in with the Christmas Raffle. extra prize for the person who sells the most tickets to friends Tyˆ Hafan helps our family in so many ways, I really don’t know and family. what we would do without them. They rely on the support of the public to be able to help families like mine across Wales and raising such a huge amount through the raffle is just fantastic”.

The rollover prize increases by our lottery £500 a week up Our community We have given out prizes all over Wales, from Port Talbot to to a maximum of of winners just Pembroke, Barry to Bargoed. keeps getting If you’re a Crackerjackpot £12,000 bigger and bigger! member, you will automatically get your cheque in the post. If you are not yet a With 80 guaranteed prizes If you are a winner, there is Crackerjackpot member every week Crackerjackpot no need to claim your prize. and would like to become one has over 4,000 winners We would like to thank all of of our many winners then you every single year. The prizes our winners who have kindly can join on our website range from £5 up to £2,000 donated their prize back to www.lottery.tyhafan.org every week not forgetting the Tyˆ Hafan – your generosity or by calling us on rollover prize that increases helped us raise an additional 029 2053 2300. by £500 a week up to a £4,000 last year. maximum of £12,000.

19 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org walking the walk with fundraiser phil dennis Tyˆ Hafan could not continue without the support of individual fundraisers who dedicate so much of their time and energy to raising much valued funds for us.

Phil Dennis is Head of Mathematics at Penglais Secondary School Phil’s school has been hugely supportive too, with one of Phil’s in Aberystwyth. After 20 years of teaching, 17 of them at Penglais, colleagues creating a calendar to support his fundraising efforts Phil plans to retire this summer and has been on a mission to and another selling handmade items before Christmas. raise £30,000 for Tyˆ Hafan in his final year before retirement. He Phil is also inspiring the next generation of fundraisers by doing has already raised £23,209.65 through his Just Giving page. regular talks in school assemblies. Phil said: ”I wanted to use my final year as a teacher to support a You can help support Phil by visiting his Just Giving page at children's charity. Every child deserves the best we can give." https://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Dennis1 Last year, Phil completed a sponsored 408 mile walk along the Wales Coast Path, starting at his school in Aberystwyth and finishing at Tyˆ Hafan. Phil walked through scorching heat and gained quite a few blisters on his way. We presented him with a new Tyˆ Hafan t-shirt to replace his very sun bleached old one at a tea party held in his honour when he arrived at the hospice. “Every child

deserves the best we the hairy biker can give” And the award for Most Dramatic Transformation goes to Paul ‘Mitch’ Minchinton, the hairy biker from Barry. Mitch raised over £1,200 for Tyˆ Hafan by shaving off his most distinguishing features – his hair and beard – that had been virtually untouched for the last 30 years. Thanks Mitch!

20 spring/summerspring 2015 barclays gala The lovely people at Barclays, Pockets Wharf Swansea did an amazing job hosting a gala dinner to help us celebrate our 15th anniversary. The evening, held in the Swansea Marriott on 17 November, was a triumph, with over 200 guests raising more than £16,000 for Tyˆ Hafan. Kev Johns of Swansea Sound, who shared compère duties with singer/comedian Mike Doyle, described our Head of Care, Cath Thompson’s speech: ”Over my time, I have introduced some of the best known speakers from the world of sport and entertainment, but I have never been touched or affected more by someone who spoke from the heart. I know it touched everyone there.”

50th annual ee merthyr tydfil

EE Merthyr Tydfil has nominated Tˆy Hafan as its Charity of porthcawl the Year and has pledged to raise £30,000. With almost 900 employees in the area, they have an christmas swim affinity with Tyˆ Hafan, recognising us as a local charity. Staff members got into the festive spirit by taking part in A not insignificant number of heroic souls braved the our first panto of the year and members of EE charity frozen seas off the shore of Porthcawl on Christmas group and team leaders recently visited visited Tˆy Hafan morning to raise money for local charities, including for a tour. Tyˆ Hafan. 1,500 swimmers took part with more than 2,000 out in force (if not in the water) to cheer them on, while many of us were still wrapped up warm opening our stockings. Congratulations and a massive thank you to all who participated.

21 cwtch our news and stories from t ˆy hafan 029 2053 2199 www.tyhafan.org fantastic fundraising effort Tyˆ Hafan dad, Gary Footman, has been recognised for his fantastic fundraising achievements by his employer, HSBC, at their Extraordinary People Awards.

Gary has been an incredibly active fundraiser for the charity Gary is also incredibly grateful to HSBC who have been so and, with the help of HSBC, has managed to secure a grant worth supportive throughout his fundraising campaigns. The grant has £31,433.59 to help fund the upcoming refurbishment of our sensory been a major achievement, but Gary has also made use of HSBC’s room in the hospice, the largest grant to be given to an employee £ for £ scheme to help maximise the funds he raises for Tyˆ Hafan. in Wales. Whether they are holding a tea party, sending teams up Pen-y-Fan or putting on buses to take staff to the Rainbow Run, their help has On winning his award for Extraordinary Act of Selflessness, Gary said: been invaluable. “I felt incredibly proud and honoured to have won. I was so happy that not only had I helped raise funds for Tyˆ Hafan but it also raised “Amanda Holden was a guest host, which did add a touch of the profile of the charity, which was my aim when I started.” glamour and made the evening seem more special,” Gary added. “After the Gary’s journey with Tyˆ Hafan started when his baby daughter, Evie ceremony, the winners were whisked Alys, was born with a gastrointestinal disease called Necrotizing away to meet her and have some Enterocolitis. Tyˆ Hafan was there throughout Evie’s life and Gary is a photos taken. Yes, gentlemen, committed member of the dads’ group, who have helped him she did look amazing and now she is no longer with us. yes, I did get a kiss!” “Mainly, the dads’ group is about having fun, but it is also “Mainly, the a chance to meet others who understand the experience that I have been through and can also be a source of dads’ group is inspiration when you hear their stories,” Gary said. about having fun, but it is also a chance to meet others who understand”

22 ✂

please help us be there for another 15 years...

1. Your gift I would like to make a I would like to make a to families or in Wales single donation of: regular donation of: £ 15 £25 £50 Other £5 £10 £15 Other £ I would like to make my donation on: Office use only: CWTS15 £ 5th of every month 23rd of every month

2. Your I have enclosed cash / a cheque / CAF payment voucher (delete as appropriate) made payable to Tˆy Hafan. Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit I would like to pay by credit / debit card - Name and full postal address of your bank or building society Debit my Mastercard / Visa / Debit Service User Number Cardholder’s name 2 4 9 5 0 0 Address of cardholder (if different to below) To: The Manager Bank/Building Society

Address

Card Number Postcode

Expiry Date Security No (Last 3 digits on reverse of card) Name(s) of account holder(s)

/ Bank/Building Society account number Branch Sort Code Issue Date Debit cards only - Issue No

/ Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay Tyˆ Hafan Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the Signature(s) Date safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Tyˆ Hafan and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Signature(s) Date

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

3. Your Your details details Title Forename Surname Address Postcode Tel Email D.O.B.

4. Increase I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that your tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand that Tˆy Hafan will reclaim 25p on every £1 donation that I give. This declaration also relates to all donations I have made to Tˆy Hafan in the past four years and all donations I make hereafter until I notify you otherwise.

Please return this form to Tyˆ Hafan, Hayes Road, Sully, CF64 5XX You can also donate at www.tyhafan.org or by calling 029 2053 2255

The Direct Debit Guarantee: The Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instruction to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Tyˆ Hafan will notify you (normally 10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Tyˆ Hafan to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Tyˆ Hafan or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Tyˆ Hafan asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us. ✂

save the date... come and join the fun!

rainbow run 18 april 2015 | 18 july 2015 26 september get showered in every colour of the rainbow at our 5k colour run. www.rainbowrunwales.co.uk

welsh3peaks 20 june 2015 snowdon > cadair idris > pen y fan take on wales’ three highest peaks for tyˆ hafan www.welsh3peaks.co.uk

wales onesie walk 26 june 2015 millennium stadium, cardiff walk 5k or 10k in your onesie to support tyˆ hafan mums. www.walesonesiewalk.co.uk

family fun day 04 july 2015 tyˆ hafan, hayes road, sully join us at our open day for fun and games. www.tyhafan.org/events

www.tyhafan.org