NHS charity’s Christmas Appeal supports children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has launched its annual Christmas Appeal. This year proceeds from the local NHS Appeal will go to the Wish Fund campaign.

The Wish Fund, which is supported by the Scarlets rugby team, raises funds for the Paediatric Palliative Care Service.

The Paediatric Palliative Care Service cares for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The aim of the service is to give children and young people the best quality of life possible, even though their lives may be shortened.

The Wish Fund helps the Paediatric Palliative Care Team create lasting memories for the children, young people and families they support.

There are three ways that the local community can support the Christmas Appeal:

Gift a Gift

Give a Gift provides the opportunity to purchase a gift from a selection of items which have been carefully chosen by the Paediatric Palliative Care Team for the children and young people supported by the Wish Fund.

The gifts chosen for this year’s Give a Gift include items such as soft toys, arts and craft materials, books, console games and pamper items.

Each item purchased will make a real difference to the children and young people supported by the Wish Fund.

The Amazon wish list can be found by visiting: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2UDLL2EE3E47S/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

Bilingual Christmas Cards:

The NHS charity’s bilingual charity Christmas cards are also now available. The cards come in three designs in packs of 10 with envelopes. There is one design per pack and a bi-lingual greeting inside.

The designs include:

• The Star on Top

• Garden Robin

• Brass Band by the Tree.

The packs can be purchased for £3 per pack including delivery from: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/hywel-dda-christmas-cards

Christmas Jumper Day:

This year, Hywel Dda Christmas Jumper Day will take place on Friday 9^th December. Supporters are invited to wear their favourite Christmas jumper, hat or something festive and donate £3 to the local NHS charity.

Supporters can make a £3 donation by texting WISHFUND 3 to 70085 or they can donate online at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/the-wish-fund

The monies raised from these activities will go directly toward helping the Paediatric Palliative Care Team provide services above and beyond what NHS funding allows.

Rebecca McDonald, Clinical Nurse Specialist Paediatric Palliative Care, said: “As a team, we are truly grateful to be part of this year’s Christmas Appeal.

“The donations received will make such a difference to the all the children, young people and their families who we provide care to across our health board.

“Our ethos is to ensure we make a positive difference to the lives of these children and young people, enhancing their quality of life, and enabling them to live their best life. These gifts will bring much joy and happiness to the children and families we care for who can often be faced with uncertainty and challenges.”

Karen Thomas, Head of Therapeutic Play, said: “Children’s palliative care is about promoting the best quality of life for every child or young person with a life-limiting  or life-threatening condition and their families.

“By supporting this Appeal, you can give the incredibly brave children, young people and their families time to cherish together, creating fun, positive memories.

“As a team we are always so grateful for all gifts received through the public’s support and generosity.” 

For more information on the Appeal please visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/hywel-dda-health-charities/christmas-appeal/