When your world stops.
“Tŷ Hafan were there for us when Violet was dying, they were there for us when she died and they have been there for us since then.”
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
“My husband James had one long final cuddle with her and then I had mine.
Violet passed away peacefully as I cradled her in my arms.”
Please will you help to make sure that no family in Wales faces their child’s short life alone?
Every day thousands of families in Wales live with the fear that it could be their child’s last. Many families are told to ‘say goodbye’ to their child at least five times before the day they’ve been dreading actually happens.
There is very little choice for families about where their child will die outside of Tŷ Hafan. Those who die in hospital are often provided with little support and sent home quickly, not knowing where to turn.
The families of children who have died tell us that they often feel abandoned after the death of their child, they can’t begin to think about planning the funeral, don’t know how to grieve and don’t know how they will carry on.
At Tŷ Hafan we know that the journey isn’t over when a child dies. We will walk alongside every family as they grieve and give them support for as long as they need us.
“Every single parent of a child who is going to die young deserves to have what we have had. Tŷ Hafan were there for us when Violet was dying, they were there for us when she died and they have been there for us since then. It’s what every parent needs when they lose their child and my heart breaks to know that not every family has that.”
Will you help to make sure that no family in Wales faces their child’s short life alone?
Whatever you can give will be used to fund our vital services for families whose children have died.
Thank you for all of your donations so far, you’re amazing!
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing generosity of everyone who has contributed to our appeal so far! If you haven’t yet had the chance to donate, now is the perfect time to get involved. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, goes straight towards helping families in Wales through their child’s short life, and then through bereavement.
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
Thank you for all of your donations so far, you’re amazing!
Eleanor Jones
Fortunately I’ve never had to visit Ty Hafan, but it looks like such a wonderful place. Violets story touched my heart. I wanted to make a contribution so that the care and … Read more
Fortunately I’ve never had to visit Ty Hafan, but it looks like such a wonderful place. Violets story touched my heart. I wanted to make a contribution so that the care and support can continue to help other families xx
Amount Donated
£10.00
Anonymous
Amount Donated
£68.00
Patrick King
Amount Donated
£10.00
Eric Bye
Amount Donated
£50.00
Stephanie Smailes
Amount Donated
£5.00
Chris McCann
Amount Donated
£20.00
Lee Hartland
Amount Donated
£30.00
Anonymous
Amount Donated
£50.00
Amy Sheldrake
Amount Donated
£4.00
Frances Palmer
Amount Donated
£10.00
Mary Smith
Amount Donated
£10.00
Adele Proctor
Amount Donated
£5.00
Julia Page
Amount Donated
£20.00
Christine Williams
Amount Donated
£10.00
Donald Doe
Amount Donated
£20.00
ALISON PEPLOW
Amount Donated
£20.00
Sue Mortemore
This donation has come from fundraising by myself and with support of Llanishen Craft and Artisan Market crafters and customers
Amount Donated
£300.00
Bristow Group LTD
Donation from St Athan Search and Rescue Helicopter Base
Amount Donated
£1,000.00
Violet’s story
“Violet’s heartbeat is slowing down. It’ll be soon. Give her a cuddle now.” Adrian, our Nurse, told us. My husband James had one, long final cuddle with her and then I had mine. Violet passed away peacefully as I cradled her in my arms.
Violet was our third child and our first daughter. Whilst I was pregnant with her, a scan showed some abnormalities but I was told they were mild, and I tried not to worry. When she was born, we were told she was ok and for the first month, she was.
I was so anxious all of the time
As time went on, I felt she wasn’t developing in the same way that her older brothers had. Despite many hospital visits, I was continually told she was ok and sent home, but I knew in my heart that there was something seriously wrong.
I felt awful and I was so anxious all of the time. I’d be googling away until 2am some mornings, desperate to find out what was going on with my little girl.
Donate today
The most devastating news
Eight months later we were told the most devastating news. Violet had an ultra-rare genetic disorder – TBCK syndrome and that her life would be short.
I was so shocked. Yes, she was sick a lot, but she was so content, you wouldn’t think she had anything wrong with her. She was so smiley all of the time.
Violet loved her big brothers Theo, 7 and Logan, 5, and they just doted on her. Medical people would always comment on what Violet couldn’t do, but the boys didn’t see illness – to them she was perfect, just as she was. We were told she would never walk or talk, but they didn’t care, she was just Violet to them.
Donate today
No more pain, just peace and precious time together
Violet was 11 months old when we came to Tŷ Hafan for her end-of-life care. The weather was glorious. Violet hadn’t been outside in months because she’d been in hospital, so to be able to take her outside in the fresh air, with the sun on her face and the sounds of the waves is such a precious memory. Violet told us in her own way that this is where she wanted to be. We heard her giggle for the first time in months and her smiles were constant. There was no more pain, no more fighting, just peace and precious time together. There are no words to say what that means to us.
Tŷ Hafan were there for us when Violet was dying, they were there for us when she died and they have been there for us since then. It’s what every parent needs when they lose their child and my heart breaks to know that not every family has that.
Donate todayThank you for all of your donations so far, you’re amazing!
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing generosity of everyone who has contributed to our appeal so far! If you haven’t yet had the chance to donate, now is the perfect time to get involved. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, goes straight towards helping families in Wales through their child’s short life, and then through bereavement.
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
Hear from other families
As part of our campaign, we’re proud to share the heartfelt stories of three incredible families who have been impacted by the support of Tŷ Hafan. Each story is a powerful reminder of the vital role your donations play in providing care and support to families like these.
Fynley’s Story
At first, I didn’t want to go there, we thought it was just somewhere children went to die, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. When we went to look around, I was so surprised. It wasn’t sad or morbid; it’s a lovely place. The times we had together at Tŷ Hafan were the most precious ever. I treasure those memories.
Winnie’s Story
Our Tŷ Hafan experience was out of this world. We left the hospice after Winnie’s death feeling lighter, but like our lives had turned backwards and we couldn’t suss out the path ahead. But whatever our path is now, we have been, and we still are so supported by Tŷ Hafan on this path.
Zach’s Story
Tŷ Hafan was quiet and peaceful, so that’s where Zach spent his final days. He was back in a calm environment without the constant checks, tests and needles. He was given space to relax.
Thank you for all of your donations so far, you’re amazing!
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing generosity of everyone who has contributed to our appeal so far! If you haven’t yet had the chance to donate, now is the perfect time to get involved. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, goes straight towards helping families in Wales through their child’s short life, and then through bereavement.
£82,318 of £75,000 raised
£82,318 of £75,000 raised