A partnership between Scarlets Rugby and Hywel Dda Health Charities has helped raise £50,000 for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across mid and west Wales, with the collaboration set to continue for another year.
Since becoming a campaign partner when the Wish Fund launched in 2022, Scarlets Rugby has played a key role in raising awareness of the campaign, helping to generate support for families cared for by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Paediatric Palliative Care team.
The £50,000 raised to date has funded a wide range of memorable experiences and activities, creating special moments and lasting memories for children, young people and their families. These have included visits to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Urdd Llangrannog and the Celtic Manor, as well as therapeutic play resources, wellbeing packs for siblings and family activities designed to bring people together.
As part of the partnership, families supported by the Wish Fund have also enjoyed complimentary visits to Scarlets fixtures, while the club has regularly helped promote the campaign at home matches through dedicated awareness and fundraising activities.
Rachel Brown, Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist, said: “The support we’ve received from Scarlets since the launch of the Wish Fund has been incredible. Reaching the £50,000 milestone is a remarkable achievement and reflects the generosity of supporters across our communities.
“Every pound raised helps us provide experiences and opportunities that go beyond what the NHS can fund. Whether it’s a special family day out, support for siblings or activities that help families spend precious time together, the impact is truly significant.
“We are delighted that Scarlets will continue to support the Wish Fund and help us create even more special memories for families in the years ahead.”
Scarlets captain Josh Macleod added: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership in support of the Wish Fund. Seeing the difference it makes to local families is inspiring, and reaching £50,000 raised is a fantastic milestone.
“As a club, we’re committed to supporting our communities and we’re looking forward to helping the campaign grow even further. We hope supporters will continue to get behind the Wish Fund and help us make a real difference to children’s lives.”
The Wish Fund supports children and young people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, helping to provide opportunities, experiences and moments of joy for them and their families during challenging times.
To find out more about the Wish Fund or make a donation, visit: https://hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales/campaigns/the-wish-fund/
Picture: Oliver meets Scarlets players Harri O’Connor, Blair Murray, Sam O’Connor, Eddie James and Taine Plumtree at Parc y Scarlets