Noah's story

In Feb 2011 baby Noah was born with a devastating brain injury. His early weeks were touch and go but he was a little fighter and against the odds he eventually went home to live with his mum and dad.

He spent a lot of time in and out of hospital because of his complex problems but he was a happy little boy who brought great joy to his parents and everyone around him. His parents had been told that Noah’s life would be difficult and he would probably not survive into adulthood.  This is when they agreed to a referral to Tŷ Hafan.

Tŷ Hafan is the family hospice for young lives which was opened in 1999 and since that time it has provided care and support to over 500 families throughout Wales whose lives have been devastated by the knowledge that they will lose their precious children before they reach the age of 19.

Soon after the family’s first visit to Tŷ Hafan, Noah experienced a life threatening episode and from this a deterioration. His parents were then told that it was unlikely that he would survive his first year of life.  Noah spent a short time in hospital before his family decided that they would like Noah to be cared for by Tŷ Hafan.

The family came in October 2011 and the staff threw an early first birthday party for Noah with all his family and friends. Noah and his family (including Nan from Canada) stayed at Tŷ Hafan for the last eight weeks of Noah’s life. During this time he left his mark on everyone including lot’s of fingerprint art around the hospice to remind the staff of this special little boy.

Noah died peacefully in his mum’s arms, surrounded by family and friends, just before Christmas. The time that the family spent at Tŷ Hafan will forever remain precious to them as it allowed them to be Noah’s mum and dad and shower him with love and affection safe in the knowledge that there was 24 hour support and help on hand if needed.

They were able to create a homely environment within the hospice and had space for family and friends to visit as often as wished and their rooms were always very popular with staff and visitors alike.  

Noah’s mum and dad have said many times since Noah died that they felt so lucky to have been able to spend Noah’s last few weeks at Tŷ Hafan; that they were made to feel safe and received comfort even when there seemed none to be had.

But everyone at Tŷ Hafan feels that they were the lucky ones, and feel privileged to be able to share some of the most precious times and smiles with this wonderful little boy and his very brave family.

Would you like to help?

It costs millions of pounds every year to provide comfort, care and support to families across Wales - families just like Noah's.

Please consider making a donation here.