Two families have formed an extraordinary friendship after being brought together by devastating circumstances. Tragically, the youngest children in both families were born within months of each other and passed away less than a month apart after being diagnosed with rare genetic conditions. Baby girls Winnie and Violet were the firstborn daughters in their families, both with two older brothers who adored their little sisters.
The two families met during the time when the girls were being treated at a Cardiff hospital, after becoming increasingly unwell and later diagnosed with rare genetic conditions. Winnie Griffiths, daughter to Anton and Candice from Llanelli, was diagnosed with Alexander Disease, an often fatal neurological disorder, following weeks in intensive care. The rapid deterioration of Winnie’s health meant a transfer to a children’s hospice was no longer an option for the family within hours.
In July 2023, Winnie was transferred to Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully, where her mother, Candice, described the experience as a “step closer to heaven.” Despite the heartbreak, Candice found solace in the peaceful surroundings of Ty Hafan as they said their goodbyes to Winnie. Just weeks later, the family of Violet Taylor, from Caerphilly, went through a similar tragic ordeal as Violet’s health rapidly deteriorated, leading to her transfer to Ty Hafan for end-of-life care.
Violet’s mother, Emily, shared how being at Ty Hafan provided precious moments of peace and togetherness with her daughter in her final days. The families, despite their shared grief, found support and understanding in each other. They were reunited at Ty Hafan’s annual summer bereavement service and have since formed a deep bond through their shared experiences.
Anton and James, fathers of Winnie and Violet respectively, expressed how talking to each other and sharing their grief has been a form of therapy and comfort. The families acknowledge the unique support provided by Ty Hafan, not only during end-of-life care but also in their ongoing journey of healing and remembrance for their daughters.
Ty Hafan has launched an appeal to raise funds to continue supporting families facing similar challenges. The community members have been touched by the families’ stories of resilience and the bond that has formed between them. The families have found light in the midst of darkness, cherishing the memories of their daughters and the friendship that has emerged from tragedy.
In a world where grief can be isolating, these two families have found solace in each other and in the support provided by Ty Hafan. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss.