Our impact

We are proud to be here for childhood cancer in Wales in many ways. 

We are proud to be here for childhood cancer in Wales in many ways. 

 

Every year, we provide practical, emotional, and financial support to children, young people, and their families during the most difficult of times.

Supporting families through treatment

In 2023, our dedicated social work team supported 128 families, providing one-to-one help throughout their child’s cancer journey.

In 2024, as demand grew, we expanded the team to four social workers, ensuring more families have access to bespoke support. 

Over the last twelve months we have supported: 

  • more than 150 families and 500 individuals.
  • provided over 1,600 nights of free accommodation to families.
  • awarded over 700 grants, worth more than £230,000 in financial grant payments to patients and their families.

100

 

At any one time, Latch supports approximately 100 patients.  

80

 

Around 80 children in Wales are diagnosed with cancer each year.

A home away from home

Our family accommodation, located next to the Paediatric Oncology Ward in Cardiff, provides parents a vital place to stay close to their child.

In 2023, families used the accommodation for 1,905 nights, a 16% increase from the previous year .

In 2024, following a successful fundraising appeal, all eight bedrooms were refurbished and nearly 1,800 nights of free accommodation were provided.

BSC landing

So far this year we have provided 

over 1,600 nights of free

 accommodation to families.

Easing financial pressures

We know cancer brings not only emotional strain but financial hardship.

In 2023, Latch provided over £400,000 in grants to families coping with the extra costs of treatment .

In 2024, we awarded 938 grants worth £303,100, helping 168 families cover essentials such as travel, utilities, and living costs .

Strengthening care and shaping policy

We regularly fund hospital projects, staff training, and specialist equipment, from therapy services to new treatment tools .

Our voice is strong in policy discussions: in 2023 we joined the Wales Cancer Alliance and in 2024 co-led the Children and Young People’s Policy Subgroup, ensuring children’s needs are heard in government and NHS planning  .
 

A growing legacy

Despite fundraising challenges in 2023, our supporters helped raise vital funds and keep services running .

In 2024, thanks to legacies, grants, and community fundraising, we achieved our first £1.1 million income year in recent history and delivered a financial surplus to secure future services .

To continue to deliver this vital support, Latch needs to raise over £900,000 annually. 

We rely on the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our volunteers to make this possible. 

Frequently asked questions

We support children and young people (up to their 19th birthday) who have cancer, or are undergoing cancer-like treatment, and are under the care of the Paediatric Oncology Principal Treatment Centre at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.

We couldn’t be here for families affected by childhood cancer in Wales without our amazing supporters, which include a growing network of local Latch fundraisers. We don’t receive any government funding.  Latch relies on the support of our community to continue being here for childhood cancer in Wales. 

We provide free accommodation in the hospital that keeps families together at a time when their lives are turned upside down.

Families affected by childhood cancer face extra expenses, from travel costs for hospital visits to increased heating bills. Our grants help to relieve this financial pressure. 

Dedicated Latch social workers, based in the hospital, help families feel less isolated. They represent them at medical team meetings and help them to access benefits. Social workers also connect families, including siblings, with our fun hospital and community activities. Along with the annual holidays we provide for families, these create memories and improve wellbeing.

Our social workers also provide sensitive bereavement support to families. Sadly, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease among children and young people in the UK.

  • £23 could pay for a transport grant for a family from Swansea to make a 90-mile round trip to Cardiff for treatment for a child diagnosed with cancer.
  • £40 could fund a Latch Social Worker to provide two weeks of practical and emotional support to a child living with cancer and their family.
  • £100 could go towards a specialised buggy to help a child whose cancer treatment has had an impact on their ability to move around.
  • £1,000 could go towards running and maintaining our accommodation at the Children’s Hospital for Wales which helps families stay together during treatment. 

We do not receive governent funding. Our work is entirely funded by public donations, business support, fundraising and grants.