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WNS 050625 Latch Ward 031

Here with a place to stay

At Latch, we’re here for childhood cancer in Wales. We understand how overwhelming a diagnosis can be, not just for children, but for the whole family.

Being close to your child when they’re in hospital matters. Latch provides free, homely accommodation above the Rainbow Ward at the Children’s Hospital for Wales. Our eight family bedrooms allow parents and siblings to stay nearby during treatment, ensuring no child faces cancer alone. We’re here for childhood cancer in Wales, keeping families together when it matters most.

Due to the large catchment area of the Primary Treatment Centre at the children's hospital for Wales, families often have to make round trips of over 200 miles to receive treatment.

BSC landing

We offer eight bedrooms, six of which are en-suite, each with desks and televisions, providing families with a comfortable space to rest and recharge. 

The accommodation also features shared kitchen facilities, a laundry room, and a cosy lounge, allowing families to feel at home during their child’s hospital stay.

The accommodation is offered free of charge, helping to keep families together and reduce the stress of being far from home.

At the end of 2024, Latch fundraised for a refurbishment of the bedrooms, ensuring they provide families with a comfortable and welcoming environment during their stay. 

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Our next goal is to improve the communal areas throughout 2026, creating an even more relaxing and supportive space for families.

We have had almost 200 individual stays in our hospital-based accommodation over the past twelve months, amounting to over 1600 nights. 

Kathryn bell 4

“I was very relieved to know that both of my parents were nearby because of Latch. Only one parent could stay with me on the Ward at night. I knew the other one would be just upstairs in the Latch accommodation if I really needed them.” 

Kathryn

Diagnosed at 9 years old with Burkitt lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

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.

Being close to your child when they’re in hospital matters. Latch provides free, homely accommodation above the Rainbow Ward at the Children’s Hospital for Wales. Our eight family bedrooms allow parents and siblings to stay nearby during treatment, ensuring no child faces cancer alone. 

Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and will prioritise families who live a greater distance away. 

Our charity is based at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, which means we are here when families need us most.

For information on how to get to our offices or where to park please visit How to get here - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Childhood cancer brings unexpected extra costs, like travel, food, heating, and time off work.

Latch financial grants help ease this strain so families can focus on what matters most: your child’s care and wellbeing. 

The Latch Practical Fund provides financial support to ensure patients can access treatment. We will cover reasonable expenses for children and thier family to attend medical appointments. Speak to you Latch social worker or the Latch office to get a copy of the travel expense form.