3 minute read
welcome
It’s amazing to think that Cwtch magazine has been going since 2009. It’s had one or two facelifts since then, but has looked fairly similar since March 2014. So this summer, we asked a group of regular readers what you thought about Cwtch, your biannual newsletter on all things Tyˆ Hafan, because after all, it’s your magazine.
Cwtch is a lot of fun to put together and gives a good picture of what has happened throughout the charity over the last six months. Every time you donate to a campaign, take part in an event, buy from or donate to our shops, or volunteer anywhere in the organisation, you make a difference to the lives of Tyˆ Hafan families all over Wales and here you can see how your support is put to good use. In the recent survey, we also asked how you would change Cwtch if you could. There were some interesting suggestions and, while we can’t make wholesale changes this time, over the next issue or two we will look to refresh the magazine. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy this edition of Cwtch magazine. Thank you for all you do to support Tyˆ Hafan. These stories show how your support has made such a massive difference to over 1,000 children and their families since Tyˆ Hafan first opened in 1999.
contents
welcome...............................................................................................02
stories from the memorial garden ................................................04 honouring our nurses from the philippines ................................05 ollie's story.............................................................................................06 your support.........................................................................................09 the big give ............................................................................................10 ordinary people, extraordinary lives...............................................12
It's hard to believe it's almost two years since I made the decision to apply to be Tyˆ Hafan's new director of care. I was motivated by its rich heritage of being there for children and families living with the uncertainty and challenges that life-limiting illness brings, and its commitment to reach further and make a bigger difference in the future. I couldn't have been more thrilled that the Trustees placed their confidence in me.
By the time I arrived in late March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic was placing restrictions on all of our lives. For the children and families who turn to Tyˆ Hafan for help and support, this was especially hard, and right from the outset, we were entirely focused on finding ways to help each family feel connected with us, albeit in new ways. I'm proud of the way in which our skilled care teams have responded and their determination to be there for families, bringing comfort, care and fun in a uniquely Tyˆ Hafan way. Today, we are facing into another winter with Covid-19, but this time we are planning more confidently because of the added protection the vaccination brings. We are keeping alert so that changes can be made quickly if needed, but we can't wait to see more children and families at the hospice, in family homes and through our 'stay and play' and sibling events across our communities. A little bit of normality, and we are hopeful this will not only last but grow. At the hospice, we will soon be completing our refurbishment project, something we couldn’t have done without your support. This means we will be able to welcome more families - we can't wait to see them and look forward to showing them around. Without your support none of this would be possible, and we couldn't be more grateful. Thank you from all the children, families and everyone at Tyˆ Hafan for the difference you make.
