Tŷ Hafan children's hospice boosted by £7k after walk

'A Walk to Remember', organised by Tŷ Hafan, took place on September 14, with 28 people taking part in a six-mile walk from Penarth Pier to the hospice in Sully.

Jodana Weekley, Tŷ Hafan’s events manager, said: "The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as we walked, talked, and remembered our loved ones while the sun rose across the sea.

Ty Hafan's 'A Walk To Remember' 2024 (Image: Paul Fears Photography) "When we reached Tŷ Hafan, we were met by our wonderful volunteers who were on hand with hot drinks and breakfast rolls which we all enjoyed together on the deck.

"A huge thank you to everyone who came along. It was a pleasure to spend this beautiful morning with you, reflecting and remembering.

"Together you’ve raised over £7,000, which is incredible and we’re beyond grateful for your support."

One of the participants was Michelle Murdoch, who lost her son Louis to spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a genetic neuromuscular disease, eight years ago.

Louis was just three and a half when he passed away at Tŷ Hafan on September 17, 2016.

Ty Hafan's 'A Walk To Remember' 2024 (Image: Paul Fears Photography) Mrs Murdoch said: "It was eight years ago, almost to the day, that Louis passed away in Tŷ Hafan.

"We live in Milford Haven now and we like to come back to Tŷ Hafan for Louis’ birthday and for when he passed away - and we felt that taking part in the Walk to Remember was just a really nice way to remember him."

Mrs Murdoch, her partner Greg, and their children Lily and Arlo, have been involved in fundraising for Tŷ Hafan in memory of Louis.

She said: "Recently me and my daughter, Lily, went to a local Tŷ Hafan bereavement memory making class in Pembrokeshire.

"This class was a great way for a sibling like Lily to understand more about Tŷ Hafan as she was born after Louis passed away.

"Plus it was also a nice way for me to keep in contact with Tŷ Hafan."

Twenty-eight people took part in Ty Hafan's first 'A Walk To Remember' (Image: Paul Fears Photography)Mr Murdoch has also participated in several fundraising events for Tŷ Hafan, including the London Marathon.

The family, who live in Steynton, set a target of raising £200 for the Walk to Remember, but have amassed £2,373 so far.

Mrs Murdoch said: "Our aim was to raise £200, and I only put the Justgiving page up a week before the walk itself.

"In the event we raised more than £2,000, which is amazing and we are so grateful for all the support."

Mrs Murdoch added: "Over the years our friends and family have done lots of events and fundraising to support in memory of Louis, including the Taff Trail ride, Cardiff Half Marathon and many more.

"It means so much to us that our friends and family continue to support Tŷ Hafan in Louis’ memory, he would be so proud."