Children’s hospices are often perceived as sad and sombre places, but Ty Hafan in Sully, Wales, offers a different experience. Overlooking the sea, Ty Hafan has been providing essential end-of-life care for children for 25 years. Founded by Suzanne Goodall, the hospice not only cares for children with life-shortening conditions but also supports their families through treatment and bereavement.
One such beneficiary of Ty Hafan is Lilly Kendall, who has been receiving care since she was nine years old. Diagnosed with several serious conditions, Lilly finds comfort and joy during her respite stays at the hospice each month. Despite turning 18 soon and transitioning out of medical care, Lilly plans to continue visiting the place she has grown up with.
The hospice’s serene surroundings include a memorial garden with a unique feature called the Birdsong Project, where children’s names are translated into birdsong as a way to create lasting memories. Rooms within the facility cater to specialist care, including a music room and art room, as well as a hydrotherapy pool installed in 2014.
Ty Hafan’s staff, like head of family wellbeing Lynne Phelps and deputy lead nurse Hannah White, find their work at the hospice to be a privilege. They focus on making memories, supporting families, and bringing light to dark moments. The hospice relies heavily on fundraising efforts to cover its £6.7m care costs, with limited funding from the Welsh Government and NHS Wales.
Chief executive Irfan Rees highlights the importance of fundraising endeavours and partnerships with businesses to sustain the hospice’s operations. Despite financial challenges, Ty Hafan continues to provide critical support to families in need, offering a ray of hope and joy in challenging times.
Ty Hafan’s impact extends beyond medical care, providing emotional support, respite stays, therapy, and bereavement services to families. The hospice’s collaborative approach with the community and dedication to creating lasting memories for children and families make it a beacon of light in the midst of difficult circumstances.
To support Ty Hafan’s mission and ensure its sustainability, various fundraising initiatives and partnerships play a vital role. The hospice’s commitment to providing compassionate care and creating positive experiences for children and families exemplifies the power of community support and charitable efforts in enhancing the lives of those facing life-limiting conditions.