Our Story

After 11 years of fundraising, Tŷ Hafan opened in 1999 and immediately began to bring much-needed hope, comfort and support to families in Wales.

Our wonderful story is one of incredible kindness, continuous hard work and complete dedication to bring happiness and joy into the lives of the children and families we support.

Our inspiring founder

In 1988, recently retired Suzanne Goodall wondered how she would fill her time. Learning of a friend’s experience volunteering in a Yorkshire children’s hospice, Suzanne started on a journey that would change her life and the lives of children and families in Wales forever.

Suzanne discovered that because there was no children’s hospice in Wales, many children with life-shortening conditions were not receiving the care they or their families needed.

Determined to change this, Suzanne launched a fundraising campaign to open a children’s hospice in south Wales. Thanks to the generosity of the public, Suzanne’s vision became a reality in 1999, when we opened the doors to our hospice for the very first time.
Since then, the hard work at Tŷ Hafan has never stopped. Inspired by Suzanne’s commitment, determination and kindness, we’ve continued to do all we can to reach and support every child, young person and family who needs us.

I had no doubts that the people of Wales, understanding the situation that these children and families faced, would open their hearts and give generously. My faith was indeed justified.

- Suzanne Goodall, Founder of Tŷ Hafan

An inspirational message from our founder Suzanne Goodall

Our Timeline

From our foundation in 1990, we’ve worked hard to keep developing our charity and services so we can meet the all-round needs of children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Tŷ Hafan is registered as a charity and a fundraising appeal is launched at Cardiff Castle.