Ty Hafan smashes fundraising appeal with Ammanford family

Tŷ Hafan ran its When Your World Stops, We’re There appeal which was to raise £350,000 in 60 hours. An Ammanford family was at the heart of the appeal, with mum Sara Morris sharing the story of her and husband Jason’s son Alfi and his twin sister Besi. Tŷ Hafan helped the family after Alfi was diagnosed with Neonatal Marfan Syndrome. He died on March 1, 2015, at just 22 months old, but the charity continue to support the family to this day.

Sara said: “Eight years ago we made a promise to a very special boy that every decision we make in life would make him proud.

“When we were approached by Tŷ Hafan a few months ago and asked to be this year’s Tŷ Hafan family it wasn’t an easy decision to make. For many it’s been eight long years since Alfi passed but for us it feels like only yesterday. Although we have come a long way the scars and pain will never go away for our family. Losing a child is a pain that is indescribable.

Besi and Alfi (Image: Ty Hafan)

“We took on this challenge because Tŷ Hafan is our lifeline and we wanted to give back to try and support as many families who are in the same position as us.

“The last few weeks have been a challenge. We’ve had laughter alongside many tears. We’ve completely taken ourselves out of our comfort zone and pushed through many challenges.

“Besi-Jane has been a proud sister and we are in awe of her strength and achievements.

“The outcome has been phenomenal to say we’ve reached over half a million for Tŷ Hafan is absolutely incredible!

“And this is all down to our amazing family, friends, community, businesses and schools all over Wales. We will be forever grateful and I’m sure Alfs is the brightest star in the sky after last night.”

The appeal – which included match funding on all donations made in the 60 hours to 10pm on Tuesday, November 28, smashed its target of £350,000 by reaching it at 3.15pm and in the final seven hours, the fundraising total reached £523,847.

John Lowes, head of fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said: “We’ve been blown away by the support that we have had across Wales and beyond. People donating, sharing, helping us raise awareness of our appeal, it has all been fantastic.

“We cannot thank everyone enough. We know that times are still really tough for many people right now, but the Welsh public have been there for us again.

“It’s also been a huge privilege for us all to work so closely with the amazing Morris family from Ammanford who so bravely shared their story for us. Sara, Jason and Besi plus our whole team have worked really hard to do Alfi justice so that his legacy lives on.”

Donations can still be made – although they will not be match funded – and will go towards helping seriously ill children across Wales. Donations can be made at www.tyhafan.org/whenyourworldstops or by calling 02920 532255 or by emailing supportercare@tyhafan.org. Purchases at any of Tŷ Hafan’s charity shops will also go to the charity.