Thanks to the generous support of Howell’s School, Llandaff, Cardiff, and our dedicated supporters, we launched LATCH’s 40th anniversary series of events in Cardiff last week, with two family fun days for LATCH families currently being supported by the charity.
We started the celebrations on Rainbow Ward, at the Children’s Hospital for Wales, on Friday 7th July, when patients and their families came together with LATCH and NHS staff for a party in the playroom. There was pizza, yummy 40th anniversary cake alongside party games and great entertainment for the children.
We were joined by the very talented ‘Ariel’ from Bespoke Princess Parties and Mike Church – our ever-popular and fun Storyteller.
Our LATCH children and families (pictured) had a great time! The 40th anniversary cake, courtesy of the incredible Rae’s Grace cakes, was a massive hit, especially with staff!
The following day, Howell’s School, kindly hosted a family fun day for all of our current LATCH families, within their school grounds, with a bouncy castle, disco, artistic face painting, glitter tattoos games and party food.
There was a lovely, little pony who was ever so popular with those who wanted rides, pictures or even to feed her a carrot!
LATCH’s mascot, Patch, made a surprise visit and Howell’s Head Girl, Sophie Sabit, and her incredible supporters led Patch to the bouncy castle!
LATCH Trustee, Harriet Morgan, and her family, had a great time, commenting on the “fantastic, well organised event for our LATCH families to enjoy together.”
Big thanks to Howell’s pupils, staff, LATCH supporter Bec Pugh, Sophie Sabit – the Head Girl, and everyone who contributed to the day for their wonderful support.
We’d also like to thank DJ Gazza, from Mobile Disco and Entertainments Cardiff, worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon to keep everyone entertained.
Over in Carmarthen, on the same day, our brilliant LATCH West Wales branch held a very successful 40th Anniversary garden party too – big thanks to them for all of their efforts.
More than 250 people enjoyed the event in Carmarthen, including children and their families supported by the charity. Guests were able to enjoy fun family-orientated activities, including a range of stalls, food and refreshments and entertainment.
Wyn Davies, West Wales Branch Treasurer, said:
“I have supported LATCH for around 27 years already – time flies! We had a wonderful event, here in Banycapel, Carmarthen, and it was so good to see so many familiar and new faces supporting LATCH. We continue to support this excellent and much-needed charity as it carries out such vital work and services for children and their families in West Wales and further afield.”
Susan Gwyer-Roberts, DL, Chair of LATCH, said:
“Thank you so very much to Helen Gravelle, Wyn Davies and every West Wales supporter of LATCH for hosting and supporting this 40th milestone event. It has been a really memorable gathering and an important part of our Anniversary celebrations this year.”
Susan added:
“Having a child diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia comes as such a devastating blow for our LATCH families. Faced with what can sometimes amount to years of gruelling treatment and an unknown future, the related ups and downs are often referred to by our families as like being on a rollercoaster.
“LATCH has been there to support families for the past forty years. With the continued valued help of our generous supporters, and fundraisers, we will be here into the future, for the next forty years, supporting families when they need us most.”
These were the first of many events over the next few months to mark our 40th Anniversary.
Would you like to organise an event to celebrate LATCH’s milestone 40th Anniversary year?
We would love to hear from you and discuss how we can help, please contact Lisa.davies4@wales.nhs.uk.
Thanks to our supporters and fundraisers, we couldn’t do it without you.
Here’s to the next 40 years!
