LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer Charity

This Fundraising Friday we’d like to say a big thank you to some wonderful fundraisers!

To all of the team who participated in the organisation & sponsorship of Rounders for Betsy, a heartfelt well done, this was a massive event & a fabulous day, with rounders, excellent food, bar, bouncy castle, music! You name it! We were delighted to be invited along & see some of the lovely children LATCH support having such an amazing time enjoying themselves in the sunshine☀️💜👏almost £24,000 was raised with more donations still coming in! Thank you!

To club captain Nick & the team at Garnant Park Golf Club, who held a golf day ⛳️ to support the fantastic Finn. Finn was supported by LATCH last year after his brain tumour diagnosis, after intense treatment Finn now has the all clear & rang that bell! Well done Finn & to everyone involved 👏☺️

To Dean & his fabulous team from DM Decorators & Property maintenance, who donated their time during our ongoing LATCH accommodation refurb & completed painting one entire room, which now looks amazing! Thank you very much 💜👏☺️

To LilyAnn Peace, who arranged a fantastic LATCH raffle night! It looked like a wonderful time was had by all, Thank you very much for your time & efforts! 👏

As always, we appreciate all fundraising & support to LATCH, without your dedication & commitment we wouldn’t exist to continue supporting children & families when they need it most! Thank you from everyone here at team LATCH 💜

We have kindly had a donation from club captain Nick Stephen’s of Garnant Park Golf Club

To any of our families currently being supported by LATCH, should this be suitable to you, please simply get in contact with the office or email [email protected]

- Quay West Caravan Holidays Park for up to 4 persons
- Inclusive of 4 site passes & £50 resort voucher
- Mon 23rd Sept to Fri 27th Sept 2024

Should we have several parties interested in this, we will draw names from our online app!

We’re giving you a little Monday motivation! We’ve had a lot of fantastic fundraising events going on recently & love to share them with you!

Firstly, to our long standing ambassadors Phil Parker & Phil Harper for putting on another fantastic annual golf day, raising funds for LATCH at Glamorganshire Golf Club! The 2 Phil’s have continually supported LATCH for decades, we thank you very much for all your organisation & hard work! A big shout out to Glamorganshire Golf Club, Colin Rodgerson, Phillip Mardon, the ground, catering & bar staff, as well as Jan, Mollie & Jenny for organising the raffles. £26,000 raised! A fantastic day was had by all, Incredible! ⛳️💜

To the wonderful team & our LATCH ambassador Darren, who arranged a golf day in loving memory of Matt Sandercock 💜at Wernddu Golf Club. A massive Thank you for your recent donation of £600! Matty’s ‘Ryder Cup’ is held annually & this year, all funds raised were given to LATCH, well done to all involved!⛳️

To Aaron & Sam who took on The North Down 50km Ultra marathon over the weekend! Testing their endurance massively! Super well done on completing this 💪🏃‍♂️& for your hard work raising funds for LATCH!

And to Gaynor & Envases UK, who walked a mammoth 26.2 miles on the weekend, raising almost £3k for LATCH in support of their work colleagues affected by childhood cancer. Well done to you all 💜💪

Thank you to everyone for all your hard work in organising & fundraising your recent events! 💜

Here at LATCH, we try to support children going through their cancer journey & their families as best we can. This also includes siblings, who can often find the experience a little overwhelming

We recently arranged a siblings day out, & would like to say a big well done to all the children who took part in our recent ‘Surfing lesson’ siblings event on July 23rd in Porthcawl! 🏄🏄‍♀️

Throughout this lesson, the children learned wave catching techniques, all components of a surf board & health & safety. It’s safe to say everyone had a ‘wave’ of a time! Well done to all those that got involved 🌊

Calling all budding artists! 🎨

A reminder to join in on our Christmas card competition! 🎄

There will be two winners from two separate age categories, children 10 & under, & those 11 to 18 years. Children who are currently staying on Rainbow ward 🌈 & wish to participate, can use art materials that we provide, simply ask one of the play specialists & we can get this arranged!

The deadline for entries for this competition is 31st July 2024!

For more information please click on the link below or drop us a message! Good Luck 🎅🎄

https://www.latchwales.org/news-events/posts/2024/june/christmas-card-competition/

We are delighted to have secured charity places for the iconic London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

The LLHM offers a fabulous central London half marathon route adorned with route activations, musical performances, DJ’s, dancers, themed cheer stations & more!

For more information, to sign up & raise funds for LATCH please contact us on [email protected] Please note we have a limited number of spaces for this event which will be secured on a first come basis

We’re delighted to be attending Eisteddfod 2024! To promote & raise awareness of the work we do here at LATCH assisting children & families throughout their cancer journey🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Eisteddfod is a fantastic festival that showcases a warm & welcoming, family-friendly event, promoting the language & culture of Wales through a wide range of activities

We will be attending on Monday 5th August & Tuesday 6th August. We are therefore reaching out for volunteers (current & new) to assist us throughout these days. Would you be able to commit to a morning (8am-1pm) or afternoon (1pm-6pm) across either of these days? We are also looking for Welsh speaking individuals/Welsh learners.

In return, you would have a fantastic day out with some of our team & have a free pass during the day of the event! 💃

Should you be interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us by dropping us a DM or emailing [email protected]

🎶🎸Music therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, which is delivered by a HCPC registered music therapist to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability, through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical & communicative needs

Recent studies outline the impact which music therapy can have in children’s cancer care services. Which includes reducing pain perception, distress & decreasing anxiety. Music therapy also allows children the opportunity to regulate & express their emotions, as well as nurture their social interaction & communication skills

Our wonderful music therapist Erin has recently set up a fundraising page to raise funds to purchase a guitar & 3 ukuleles to be used on rainbow ward 🌈 should you be able to donate, please click on the link below 🎸

https://www.gofundme.com/f/musical-instruments-for-the-childrens-oncology-ward?attribution_id=sl:1fce66cf-5674-443a-b555-14b65a37da59&lang=en_GB&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

We were delighted to welcome LATCH’s Patron, Edward Watts MBE DL, and Scouts Cymru Director, Kerrie Gemmill this week.

ScoutsCymru offers over 18,000 young people aged between 4 and 24 years across Wales the opportunity to develop skills for life. This is made possible through the support of nearly 4700 volunteers!

Kerrie and Edward met with LATCH CEO, Menai Owen-Jones during their visit sharing updates and ideas around how both organisations could work together in the future.

Thank you for visiting us at LATCH !

We have arranged a special event on 23rd July for siblings of children currently undergoing treatment. Siblings aged 7 to 17 are welcome to join us for an exciting day of surfing in Porthcawl.

Event Details

Date: 23rd July, 2024
Arrival Time: 1:30PM
Surf Lesson Starts: 2:00PM (2-hour lesson)
Location: Porthcawl Surf School, Rest Bay Car Park, Rest Bay Beach, Porthcawl, CF36 3UP

During the lesson, participants will learn about surfboard components, essential safety procedures, wave-catching techniques, and how to stand up on a surfboard. The session will provide a balanced mix of on-land and sea-based instruction, ensuring ample time in the water.

Important Information

Booking: Please register by 19th July. To secure your spot, please follow the below link & complete the registration form. Please note - email confirmations will not be accepted

https://latch.beaconforms.com/form/249d856e

This fundraising Friday is a BIG one! 💜👏☺️

We’d like to start off by saying a massive thank you to all the team at HSBC UK South West & Wales Corporate Banking team! Who walked an incredible 46 miles from Bristol to Cardiff! Raising almost £8000 for LATCH, inspired by lovely Ada & her family who are currently being supported by LATCH!

To South Wales Fire & rescue service (Caerphilly firestation) for doing an amazing car wash at the weekend & raising funds for LATCH, Well done to all involved 👏

To Anne Jensen & her lovely friend Michelle, who regularly donate food supplies for our on-site accommodation & kitchen! A big Thank you!

Last but not least to little Fleur & her team-mates from Treowen Stars Girls U10’s on their recent fun run. Mum Sue informed us they all done amazing! Fleur ran in memory of her brother Nathan 💚a big well done to you all!

Are you looking to have fun & raise funds for charity?

National Pyjama Day is coming up!

Why not suggest to your school, workplace or social club to have a day out-with the norm & do some fun fundraising! We have lots of suggestions of days coming up throughout 2024!

Get involved! Email us today at [email protected] for more information & suggestions!

Can you spare some time?

We are reaching out to all volunteers/ambassadors & those associated with LATCH to see if you would be willing to dedicate any time/days over the next 5 weeks or so to assist us with redecorating our bedrooms!

Should you be able to, please drop us a message or email [email protected] for more information

This Fundraising Friday we would like to start off by saying a massive Thank you to the team at Galaxy Insulation & Dry Lining, who took part in a 30 mile walk along Pembrokeshire Coastal path on Saturday & raised an outstanding £3491! Well done to everyone involved 👏

To everyone who was involved in Jameson Bowens Memorial Charity Football event last weekend⚽️We thank you for your time, efforts & dedication into once again organising this beautiful event. £4,151 was raised, meaning in the last 2 years this fantastic team have raised almost £11k for LATCH & dedicating this to Jameson memory. Well done 👏

Thank you to everyone taking part in current fundraising for LATCH - if we can support you in anyway, please just let us know by emailing [email protected], we love to see your creative ideas on fundraising! Be sure to send us some photos & keep us updated on how your events went! 💜☺️

Did you know, when you sign up to the retailers you shop with will make a donation to us for every purchase you make?

It’s completely free, and the funds help us to keep providing our vital service. Sign up for us today!

> https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/latch?utm_source=charitytoolkit&utm_content=279854&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=CT3EasyStepsCampaign

Calling all budding artists! 🎨

We have decided to run a Christmas card competition this year for children currently on treatment. There will be two winners from two separate age categories, children 10 & under, & those 11 to 18 years. Children who are currently staying on Rainbow ward 🌈 & wish to participate, can use art materials that we provide, simply ask one of the play specialists & we can get this arranged!

The deadline for entries for this competition is 31st July 2024!

For more information please click on the link below or drop us a message! Good Luck 🎅🎄

https://www.latchwales.org/news-events/posts/2024/june/christmas-card-competition/

It’s Fundraising Friday!☺️👏💜

We would like to start off by Thanking Engagesport LLP, Jonathan Davies, Scarlets Rugby & all sponsors, branch members & volunteers who assisted with organising & participating in JD13 first Testimonial event! This was a fantastic evening, LATCH were thrilled to be one of the selected charities where funds were raised throughout the evening!

To all those who took part in the Swansea half marathon! Thank you for your time, efforts & dedication! & for selecting LATCH as your chosen charity to run for! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

To Abercarn United F.C, who recently raised over £1500 for LATCH! Thank you very much & well done ⚽️

From everyone, here at LATCH, we thank you for your continued support & fundraising efforts! Without all of you, we couldn’t provide the work that we do, helping children & their families during their cancer journey when they need it most

Do you know that right now, around 63,000 children in the UK are eligible for a wish
because they live with critical illness?

Earlier this year, we referred some children to to help bring joy,
strength, and healing throughout their toughest of times. In June, their wishes were
granted thanks to and Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland!

They headed to , a two-day immersive and magical Disney experience
right here in the UK. The event meant the children and their families could create
once-in-a-lifetime memories they can treasure forever

A tribute to our Founder

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of LATCH’s founder, Dr Eileen Thompson, whose original vision and guidance was so fundamental to the charity’s establishment back in the early 1980s.

Dr Thompson dedicated her life to the care of children with cancer in Wales. LATCH, and so many of our families are truly indebted to her.

On behalf of LATCH, Philip Price KC, LATCH’s recently retired President has written a tribute to Dr Thompson, which can be read on our website

https://www.latchwales.org/news-events/posts/2024/june/dr-eileen-thompson-a-tribute-to-our-visionary-founder/

We recently caught up with Lacie & her mum Jess

Lacie has been supported by LATCH since her diagnosis in April 2023 of Leukaemia

Like every family going through a child with cancer, Lacie’s journey has been very unique. Her initial 6 months of chemotherapy were exceptionally difficult & unfortunately did not work as well as initially intended. Lacie’s mum Jess informed us:

‘It’s a rollercoaster, especially with your emotions. The entire process can be very scary & confusing. When Lacie’s initial treatment of chemotherapy did not work & we were informed her survival rate had dropped, we understandably were beside ourselves & had to look at other options. We were grateful to our medical team who suggested trying blina.

It’s an incredible environment where everyone genuinely knows one another, & has an understanding on the daily challenges faced having a child with leukaemia. Lacie’s symptoms haven’t always been textbook & the staff here know Lacie’s character & when she is having an off day.

When the blina treatment finished in October 2023, we were elated to be told that Lacie’s cancer was undetectable. She will now stay on maintenance treatment until November 2025. Lacie is now back in school full time after 13 months of home schooling, I have also returned to work full time after 14 months off work, everyone is doing much better now’

Calling all Golfers! ⛳️

Fancy a day out & raising funds for charity? The Gold Day by EE will be held at Aberdare Golf Club on July 16th,with a BBQ, quiz & raffle after the event takes place! Proceeds raised by this event will be donated to LATCH & EE Community Charity

Entry for this event is still available, please contact [email protected] or call 07961770662

We would like to wish all the Dads, Stepdads, Grandads, Uncles & influential males in your life a big Happy Father’s Day!

Supporting a child going through their cancer journey is never easy, with each journey being exceptionally unique to each family, & family members. So to all the dads doing your best navigating this process, we say Thank you! 👨💜

You are somebody’s type!

Today, is World blood donor day!

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of celebrating blood donation & raising awareness of just how important blood donations are! Today, is an excellent & timely opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years & honour the profound impact this has on both patients & donors alike!

From everyone here at LATCH, thank you for your continued support!

We would like to give all families of patients a gentle reminder to check with your medical team/CNS a minimum of 2 weeks prior to any holidays you may have approaching, should it be to one of our LATCH caravans or further afield

Thank you for your cooperation on this matter

This fundraising Friday is a big one! ☺️👏💜🎈

We would like to start by saying a massive Thank you to all the team who took part in climbing Pen-Y-Fan ⛰️continuously throughout what would have been their 8 hour working day from Apollo Teaching services! & raised an outstanding £1,270 in the process for LATCH! 💪

To ‘Betsy’s Besties’ who for the 2nd year running raised funds for LATCH & supported Betsy who is currently supported by LATCH by walking from Newbridge fields to Ogmore Castle 🏰 Super well done to everyone involved in raising a brilliant £933 thus far!

Carmarthen District Short Mat Bowls Association recently had a fundraising event in aid of LATCH & raised a mammoth £1,658.50! Thank you & well done! 👏☺️

To Trecco Bay Resort & our ambassadors Florence & Charlie for all your hard work in raising the the recent donation of £1,100!

And last but not least - to those who took part in the recent Edinburgh Marathon raising funds for LATCH! 🏃‍♂️ Congratulations on this achievement!

As always your support & fundraising is very much appreciated & goes a long way! From all of the team, here at LATCH! 💜☺️👏

A slight change of plans to make you aware of…

We regret to inform you that the Bereavement walk scheduled for the 8th June has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

It has come to our attention that there will be a significant D Day parade taking place in Porthcawl on the same day, which could potentially disrupt the walk due to the expected high volume of participants

We have rescheduled the walk for the 29th June. We hope that you will be able to join us on this new date.

A Family Walk to Remember, Rest Bay Porthcawl.

09:45am Meet at Rest Bay car park (Please bring £4 for the car park, or pay via the Paybyphone app)
10:00am Walk along the promenade towards Porthcawl (approx 2.5km) time to reflect & remember
11:00am Refreshments - Venue TBC

If you would like to attend on the 29th June or have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Thank you!

This week from June 3rd-9th is National Volunteers Week! ☺️👏💜

We are exceptionally lucky to have so many dedicated & some very long standing ambassadors who support LATCH in so many ways. Over 14 million people give up their time to volunteer through a group, charity, club or organisation each year within the UK.

We recently caught up with Florence. Florence & her partner Charlie have been ambassadors here at LATCH for over 10 years! They have made a massive contribution to fundraising & raising awareness of the support we provide to children & families when navigating their cancer journey. When asked why Florence volunteers, she responded with the below:

‘We first heard about LATCH when a friends grandson was being supported by the team, I was amazed at the support children and their families dealing with cancer or leukaemia received from LATCH.

The support covers grants, social work support, home support, on site accommodation for parents & siblings, anything and everything! It made a big difference to my friends’ lives during this period. Over 10 years ago, I had a meeting with the LATCH Manager at the time and began fundraising. We go to schools to do presentations to raise awareness of the work LATCH does & sell LATCH merchandise. We arrange fun days, have raffles, sell at markets etc. Friends & family get involved too!

We concentrate on increasing awareness of LATCH. Families, past and present who received support from LATCH always stop at events for a chat and always show such gratitude. The positive impact on their lives is amazing.

We are very passionate of LATCH and always will be.

It is very rewarding being an Ambassador knowing that you are helping these children & their families during one of the worst times of their lives, you are making a difference. Being part of the LATCH team is fantastic, hearing what it means to families means so much. We wear our T-shirts with pride, love meeting new people & being given the opportunity to work with a wonderful team’

Would you like to become a LATCH ambassador? Simply drop us an email to [email protected] for more information.

June 2nd is National Cancer Survivors Day

National Cancer Survivors Day is a way for survivors to share their journey & offer hope & inspiration to those who have been newly diagnosed. While every cancer & treatment plan is different, cancer survivors know that the journey can often be overwhelming. The LATCH team, including our 3 dedicated social workers, pride ourselves on assisting patients & families throughout these testing journeys. We would like to thank everyone past & present who has supported LATCH, in turn making it possible to be there for these amazing families!

We thought it only fitting to say a massive congratulations to Bella & her lovely family on her recent bell ringing! 🔔 After a long journey Bella finally got to ring that bell on Rainbow ward! 🌈 Congratulations!