Last March we launched the LATCH Big Spring Clean Campaign, to raise funds to give our on-site accommodation, a much-needed makeover! The goal was to refresh and modernise the facilities for families staying while their children receive treatment for cancer or leukaemia on Rainbow Ward at the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Located above Rainbow ward and next to the LATCH offices, the accommodation includes eight bedrooms, two lounge areas, a shared kitchen, and a laundry room.  The accommodation  ensures families can stay close together whilst their child is an in-patient on Rainbow Ward.  We aim to offer a ‘home from home’ experience, minimising on travel time and maximising on time together.  The accommodation is essential to provide comfort and convenience to families during these challenging times.

Last year, we had over 200 bookings which resulted in over 1800 nights of accommodation for families and our rooms were starting to show signs of wear and tear.  Different furniture and bedding styles had accumulated over the years, and it was time to give every room a fresh, cohesive look. We wanted to create a consistent look with equal comfort and quality across all rooms while holding onto that warm, homely atmosphere—not a hospital or hotel vibe.

Jayne who stayed in our accommodation last year whilst her daughter was undergoing treatment for Burkitt Lymphoma told us how the accommodation helped them.

“We live about a 1.5-hour drive from the hospital so couldn’t just pop home. We didn’t want to leave Kathryn.  The room upstairs that LATCH provided was a godsend because we were literally a floor away. So, if Kathryn woke up, feeling sick, or just wanting two of us there, we could give whoever was sleeping upstairs a call. Then we’d be both be with her in minutes…We were in hospital for so long that the accommodation became like a second home. We made friends with two families in particular, after meeting them in the accommodation. In the kitchen, you’d just chat and talk about how your child was doing, or how the treatment was going…. The LATCH accommodation made a horrendous time more bearable.”

The Transformation

Before we started, we consulted with families to understand their needs and preferences. One common request was the addition of a functional workspace. With more parents working remotely, having a dedicated area to work or join virtual meetings was essential. Given the space constraints, we introduced multifunctional dressing table/desks that can be tucked away when not in use. This ensures the rooms remain practical yet uncluttered.

Work began in August 2024 and was completed in just 8 weeks. Our dedicated team carefully sourced and purchased new bed frames, mattresses, furniture and accessories. Every bedroom was upgraded with larger smart TVs, providing entertainment options for families during their stay. The shared kitchen received a significant refresh with new appliances, including a modern oven, stove, and extractor fan, along with enhanced laundry facilities to offer all the comforts of home.

Brewer’s Decorator Services, Cardiff, were kind enough to donate half of paint we required.

Following a public appeal via social media, we were exceptionally lucky that two skilled local painters, Glenn Thompson of Mr Thompson Décor and Dean Morris of DM Decorators & Property Maintenance, volunteered their time and painted all eight bedrooms for us, making them much more tranquil and appealing.

We also had a fantastic turnout of dedicated LATCH volunteers to help us with many tasks, such as cleaning, assisting with the removal and donation of old furniture and building the new sets!

Dunelm Cwmbran made a tremendous contribution, donating all the soft furnishings, including curtains, bedding, duvets, pillows, and towels. Their generosity ensured each room was equipped with matching, high-quality items, helping us create a comfortable and welcoming space while staying within budget.

A Fundraising Success Story

The funds needed were raised thanks to the incredible generosity of our LATCH supporters. In just three weeks, we reached our £11,000 target, far exceeding expectations. It was a true demonstration of the compassion and care within our community.

We were given significant boosts to our fundraising with significant donations from Chepstow and Caldicot Lions, Noah’s Retreat and Morgan’s Army in memory of Morgan Ridler.

 Natalie Ridler, founder of Morgan’s Army, shared:

“Morgan’s Army knows how important a lifeline the accommodation at LATCH is for the families we represent and support. Having stayed there many times during our own journey with Morgan, we know first-hand the value of the facility. It needed a well-deserved spruce up and we were very happy to donate a grant of £6000 to ensure the accommodation continues to be a comfortable, haven for families for years to come”

We were overwhelmed with the support, fundraising and dedication we received with this campaign.   We are grateful to everyone who contributed—Morgan’s Army, Noah, the Chepstow and Caldicot Lions, Dunelm Cwmbran, Brewer’s Decorator Services, our volunteers, and every single supporter who helped make this project a reality. Your generosity has made a lasting difference to the families who stay with us, ensuring they have a comfortable home-from-home during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Thank you to all involved in this project, we couldn’t have completed it without you!

Team LATCH