Family's garden makeover

Wednesday 4 July 2012

When Rachel and Rob Jones and their family from Crickhowell were referred to Tŷ Hafan, in the Vale of Glamorgan, little did they know the part the family hospice for young lives would eventually play in the transformation of their garden !

Their seven year old daughter Poppy was born very prematurely and as a result suffers from cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease.   She has many complex needs and requires round the clock supervision.

The family became aware of Tŷ Hafan in October 2011 and have since had a couple of stays at the hospice to help recharge their batteries and also to allow them to have quality time  with Poppy’s siblings, Alfie (9),  Charlie (12),  Sam (16) and Isabel (18).

So when Rachel and Rob and their family of five were asked to temporarily vacate their home for a few days it provided something of a problem.

They had been approached to allow their garden to be used in a television “pilot” project which meant that they had to move out of the house for a few days.  Little did they know that friends and family members had in fact nominated them to have a complete garden “makeover” for the “Love your Garden” programme, hosted by Alan Titchmarsh himself.

The programme was screened on Wednesday 3 July at 8.00pm on ITV.

“Relocating a family of five was just about do-able” explained Rachel who also, amazingly, works full-time as an A & E nurse.  “We were however at a loss to how we could find somewhere to cater for Poppy’s needs.

“It was a complete fluke that out of the blue we received a phone call from Tŷ Hafan asking if Poppy would like to go and stay at the hospice, so we were able take her there knowing she was getting the very best of care”.

After quite a few requests Rachel and Rob are thinking of allowing interested visitors in to see their garden at a date to be decided.

Visitors will be asked for donations which will be shared amongst the families chosen charities which will include Tŷ Hafan.