The Welsh community has demonstrated overwhelming generosity as Tŷ Hafan's Every Precious Life Appeal concluded with a staggering £430,860 raised in just sixty hours. The fundraising window closed at 10pm on Tuesday night, with the initial target being smashed two hours earlier at 8pm.
Remarkable Community Response
By the time the match-funding period ended at 10pm on Tuesday, November 25, supporters had contributed an additional £30,000 beyond the original goal. The appeal powerfully highlighted the experiences of families who have suffered baby loss and are receiving support from Tŷ Hafan's specialist services.
Among the courageous families sharing their stories were Gwenno George and her husband Luke Nicholas, who spoke about their son Emrys. "We are blown away by everyone's support, kindness and generosity during the appeal," Gwenno expressed from their home in Cardiff.
She added emotionally: "Every pound donated has meant so much to us, and I know that it will have such a huge positive impact on the wonderful work of Tŷ Hafan. It has been a privilege to share Emrys' story as part of the appeal, and I am so, so proud of our son."
Families' Heartfelt Tributes
Kath Keeble, who shared her son Tommy's story to support the campaign, described her involvement as "an honour and a privilege." The community mental health worker from Merthyr Tydfil stated: "I'm so proud of everyone who shared, engaged with social media, donated."
She emphasised the campaign's lasting impact: "Reaching the goal means that so many more people can be helped when they face the trauma and heartbreak of losing their baby. It makes my heart so proud to know that, because of this campaign, more families can be supported in the unwavering way I have."
Gwenno George also paid tribute to the charity's staff and volunteers, saying: "Thank you to all the wonderful staff and volunteers that have worked so tirelessly on the campaign and continue to do so, their dedication is an inspiration to us all."
Transforming Support for Bereaved Families
Dan Bamsey, head of fundraising at Tŷ Hafan, expressed profound gratitude for the community's response. "Once again, our amazing supporters have blown us away with their kindness and generosity," he said.
"Thanks to them, we have raised a staggering £430,860, which means we'll be able to help more children with life-shortening conditions and their families, like Gwenno's and Kath's."
He acknowledged the widespread support from across Wales, noting contributions from "amazing appeal champions, through to community groups, companies, trusts and individuals from across South, Mid and West Wales."
The fundraising leader reserved special praise for the families who shared their deeply personal stories, stating: "We are also so grateful to Gwenno and her husband Luke, and Kath, for their incredible bravery in sharing Emrys' and Tommy's stories with us for this appeal. Without them, we could not have done this."
For those who missed the match-funding window, the charity emphasised that donations made at any time will still have significant impact. As the appeal's closing message reminds us: "Because no family should have to live their child's short life alone."
Donations can still be made through the charity's website at www.tyhafan.org, continuing the vital work supported by this extraordinary community effort.
