LATCH relies heavily on the hard work and dedication of a pool of Volunteer Ambassadors who help out with tasks in the community, from fund and awareness raising to giving talks at schools and everything in between, and this month we’re pleased to announce the appointment of our youngest Ambassador yet – Amira Barry, aged seven from Maesteg.

Amira was diagnosed with leukaemia back in July 2018 and, like all families of children receiving treatment for cancer and leukaemia at the Children’s Hospital for Wales, her family are currently being supported by LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. Having seen first-hand the impact of our services, Amira and her family are keen to give back and to help ensure LATCH’s support services continue for many years to come.

Since Amira’s treatment began, Amira’s family and community have been heavily involved in fundraising, with over £15,000 being raised for LATCH in Amira’s name alone in little over a year and the family have consistently used Amira’s experience to highlight the work of LATCH and the real and tangible impacts of the services provided by this much loved Welsh charity.

Amira’s mum, Shelley, commented: “It’s such an honour to see Amira recognised in this way by a charity that we as a family feel so passionate about. From the moment we were assigned our Social Worker, Katie, we felt so much more at ease during what has been one of the most difficult times imaginable. The use of the LATCH home from home accommodation while Amira is undergoing treatment means the world, and I’ve seen so many other families going through similar journeys have their weights lifted through the use of the LATCH Psychology service, LATCH grants, trips and treats, caravans and so much more.”

She continued: “While Amira is on the ward, the LATCH Support Workers make our time go so much more smoothly, and LATCH provide so many ward entertainers and events that enable children such as Amira to realise that there’s more to life than treatment – I really can’t sing their praises enough. Amira’s determined to use this role to support them in any way she can to make sure they’re able to help other families with cancer or leukaemia when they need it the most and, like every mum, I couldn’t be more proud of my beautiful girl.”

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a LATCH Community Ambassador then please get in touch by emailing Stephen.price6@wales.nhs.uk or by calling the LATCH Office on 029 2074 8868.