With five children we have had our fair share of the usual children’s diseases and the odd longer term health issues, but I really can’t imagine how hard it must be to raise a child with a life limiting illness. These parents really give their entire energy and being to care for their children, making sure they live full, happy lives knowing that they are unlikely to reach adulthood.
Tŷ Hafan is the only children’s hospice in Wales and are a source of comfort, care and support for these families. Not only are they a safe haven during the darkest hours, providing expert comfort and assistance during the end, and beyond. Tŷ Hafan are also there to offer advice, support and assistance to ensure each child lives their life to the fullest. Providing care at home, school, in the hospital and in the hospice. They are often the only people able to care for children with serious medical needs to allow parents and siblings a chance to relax and recharge their batteries.
It costs over £3.7 million each year for Tŷ Hafan to provide their specialist one-to-one care and outreach services to life-limited children, young people and their families but because they are a charity and not part of the health service they get a very small amount of statutory funding a year. This means that Tŷ Hafan depend on donations to carry on their fantastic and much needed work. The Tŷ Hafan Rainbow Run is just one way people can raise the funds.
