Scarlets and local NHS Charity announce continued Wish Fund partnership

Scarlets Rugby has announced that it will be continuing its partnership with Hywel Dda Health Charities, the local NHS Charity, to support the Wish Fund campaign. The campaign raises funds to create magical memories for children and young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

The campaign, which launched in spring 2022, has already raised a fantastic £29,900 which has been used to create unforgettable experiences for paediatric palliative care patients and their families. These have included days out at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Urdd Llangrannog, pantomime trips to Llanelli and Milford Haven, and fun family days at Parc y Scarlets.

Families have also enjoyed free entry to Scarlets games, and a Wish Fund information and support stand has appeared regularly at Scarlets home games.

Heulwen, who attended a Scarlets visit with her son Jake, said: “It was a magical day and Jake was thrilled to receive a signed shirt and hat. We’ll never forget it.”

Rachel Brown, Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Scarlets are supporting our Wish Fund campaign.

“The Wish Fund provides us with opportunities to give that little extra to our patients and families which are beyond NHS expenditure. These include fantastic group activities and family day trips, therapeutic play toys to help young patients process what they are experiencing, and wellbeing resources for families and young siblings.

“It means we can create cherished memories together.”

Scarlets’ Wales international Gareth Davies said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Wish Fund campaign and hopefully we can help make a real difference to families across mid and west Wales.

“We want to help them create some brilliant memories which will last forever and hope to inspire people across the region to join with us and bring a bit of joy to their lives.”

The Wish Fund campaign will see the NHS charity and the Scarlets Rugby continue to work together to both raise funds for the campaign and raise awareness about the work of the Paediatric Palliative Care team. For more information or to support the campaign, please visit: The Wish Fund – Hywel Dda Health charities (nhs.wales)