SULLY-BASED children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan, has urged the public to support an appeal to help fund the charity’s care for life-limited children at a time of national emergency.

The charity, which provides care and support for life-limited children and their families across Wales, already saw a significant drop in its income before the Covid-19 outbreak hit.

The charity says it is now ‘battling’ through its most challenging period in 21 years with a forecasted income loss of over £2 million this year.

With 6 per cent of their annual funding coming from the government, Tŷ Hafan is reliant on public donations and fundraising events, which have all been cancelled due to the government lock-down.

Ty Hafan’s fundraising and retail director, Julian Hall, explains:

“Lots of our avid supporters who had fundraising events and challenges planned over the next few months have had to cancel or postpone their activity, meaning that our income has stalled.

“ We’ve also had to close our 25 shops across Wales and can no longer receive any donated goods.”

“The children we care for really are some of the most at risk in the country, despite rarely being acknowledged in the “at risk” category across the media. They know that their children may be at greater risk which is an additional worry on top of the unthinkable challenges they face every day. Our services are a vital lifeline to them at this moment in time.”

Staff have adapted to the new circumstances by providing virtual care to families who are isolating in their homes.

Tŷ Hafan’s Director of Care, Deborah Ho, said:“The government restrictions put Tŷ Hafan families in an even more isolated position, so it’s more important than ever that we ensure that they feel supported and not alone.”

“Regular donors are potentially our only reliable source of income at the moment, but we can’t rely on our loyal supporters alone to help us raise the £4.5 million that Tŷ Hafan requires annually.

“ We’re urging people, if they even have just £5 to spare, to think about donating it to Tŷ Hafan to help support our services at this incredibly challenging time.”

To make an online donation to Tŷ Hafan,visit: www.tyhafan.org/fitforfutur.