A wave of festive spirit washed over Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in Sully recently, courtesy of sporting stars from Cardiff's two major clubs. Players from both Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff City FC dedicated their time to bring joy and companionship to the children and families at the hospice in the lead-up to Christmas.
Rugby Stars Kick Off Festive Visits
On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 17, a contingent from Cardiff Rugby arrived to share the season's goodwill. The visiting party included Theo Cabango, Jake Beetham, Evan Lloyd, Mason Grady, and the hospice's longstanding ambassador, Leigh Halfpenny. The group immersed themselves in the hospice's annual carol service, spending quality time chatting with the children and their relatives.
They handed out gifts before taking a tour of the hospice and its tranquil grounds. Halfpenny, who celebrated his 37th birthday the following Monday, reflected on his long connection with Tŷ Hafan, stating he first visited over Christmas twelve years ago while playing for Cardiff. "I just listened to their story and found out more about what they do and I just wanted to get involved," he said.
Footballers Continue the Tradition
The following day, it was the turn of Cardiff City FC to spread some cheer. First-team players Alex Robertson, Will Fish, and Ollie Tanner spent an afternoon engaging with fans of all ages. They toured the hospice and gardens, shared conversations with families, and distributed gifts.
The trio also had the honour of drawing the winning tickets for Tŷ Hafan's Christmas Raffle, adding an extra layer of excitement to the visit. Ollie Tanner, on his second annual visit, commented, "To see the pleasure on people’s faces when we come and visit here is amazing. I just want to do as much as I can to help this place."
A Special Place Close to the Heart
The visits underscored the profound impact the hospice has on the families it supports. Leigh Halfpenny poignantly noted, "It is really sad, obviously, what the children and the parents are going through, but it’s a place that makes the time that they have together incredibly special." He praised the incredible staff who strive to make experiences as fun and enjoyable as possible.
Irfon Rees, Tŷ Hafan's Chief Executive, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from both clubs. "It’s always a pleasure to welcome players... and never more so than during the festive season," he said. Rees highlighted that Christmas can be a challenging time for the families they support, making the joy brought by the players "really very special indeed."
He also emphasised how the clubs' support throughout the year helps Tŷ Hafan reach more families in need. The hospice's mission remains steadfast: to walk alongside families facing the reality of a child's shortened life, offering support through life, death, and beyond.
