NHS charity funds memory boxes for grieving families

Thanks to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to fund memory boxes for bereaved families who have been supported by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service.

The memory boxes include items such as soft toys, music boxes, photo frames, journals, candles and wooden hearts.

The boxes have been funded by donations to the Wish Fund, a campaign which creates lasting memories for the children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families.

Rachel Brown, Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist, said: “We’re so grateful for the donations towards the Wish Fund which have allowed us to purchase these memory boxes.

“A memory box is very personal and meaningful and it honours a person’s life. The boxes serve as a connection between the families and their loved one, they validate emotions and expressions of thoughts and feelings as well as aiding in the grieving process.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We’re very thankful for donations to the Wish Fund which have enabled us to purchase such important items for families supported by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Find out more about the Wish Fund here: https://hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales/campaigns/the-wish-fund/

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go towww.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk