Tŷ Hafan’s Every Precious Life Appeal ended at 10pm on Tuesday night with a massive £430,860 raised in just 60 hours.
The target was smashed at 8pm that evening (25 November) with an extra £30,000 raised by the time the match-funding window ended at 10pm that night.
Tŷ Hafan’s Every Precious Life Appeal focused on stories of families who have experienced baby loss and who are being supported by Tŷ Hafan.
Gwenno George, who together with her husband, Luke Nicholas, shared their son Emrys’ story, said: “We are blown away by everyone’s support, kindness and generosity during the appeal. 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. Diolch o galon i bawb.
“It has been a privilege to share Emrys’ story as part of the appeal, and I am so, so proud of our son.
“I would do anything to hold Emrys again and tell him of the huge impact that he has had, but I know that he’s smiling somewhere.”
Gwenno, from Cardiff, added: “Finally, 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.
“Throughout the appeal, I have been thinking so much about all the children and their families that haven’t had the opportunity to be supported by Tŷ Hafan, hopefully this is a small step in the right direction of reaching more families and amazing children.”
Kath Keeble, who had shared her son Tommy’s story in support of the appeal, said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to be able to share Tommy with the world as part of the Every Precious Life appeal. I’m so proud of everyone who shared, engaged with social media, donated. The incredible champions and staff at Tŷ Hafan who worked so hard.
“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. Lifelong, deep and meaningful support.”
Kath, a community mental health worker from Merthyr Tydfil, added: “Thank you to everyone who has held Tommy and I so preciously throughout the campaign. I am immensely proud to have been a part of this journey along with Emrys’ Mummy and Daddy, Gwenno and Luke.”
Dan Bamsey, Head of Fundraising at Tŷ Hafan, said: “Once again, our amazing supporters have blown us away with their kindness and generosity.
“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.
“We’ve had so many people support us to reach our target from our amazing appeal champions, through to community groups, companies, trusts and individuals from across South, Mid and West Wales. We thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.
“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.
“Finally if you missed the match-funding window, don’t worry! Any donation made at any time to Tŷ Hafan will still have a massive impact. Because no family should have to live their child’s short life alone.”
