Aled has described Hope House and Ty Gobaith Hospices as the most incredible places. The two Hospices provide respite, palliative care and nursing for children with terminal illnesses at Hope House in Oswestry and Ty Gobaith in Conwy, North Wales. They also offer support in the family home by the Community Care Team. Bereavement support and counselling is also available to all family members for as long as is necessary. No charges are made to families and the charity receives a limited amount of statutory funding. Annual running costs are £4 million but the amount received from the Department of Health funds their work for only one month per year which means they continue to rely on the generosity of the general public for the majority of their income.
When asked to help found Aled’s Friends of Hope House on 5th March 2006, I had no idea that it would prove to be one of the most rewarding ventures I have ever been involved with. The group was formed from a nucleus of Aled’s fans following his appointment as Patron of Hope House Children’s Hospices in October 2005. It seemed appropriate that as the group had originally come together through Aled’s music, it would be fitting to raise money to give music to the children in the form of music therapy sessions.
AFHH (Aled’s Friends of Hope House) has raised an incredible £30,000 to date. Aled’s Friends members are scattered across the UK so fundraise individually for the most part – some are far removed from Conwy and Oswestry – even as far as Australia where we currently have 3 members! The children of both Hospices benefit directly from what Aled’s Friends does. Music therapy brings them joy, laughter and an opportunity to express themselves. They can bang a drum, listen to soothing guitar music with their therapist, and make their own music with a xylophone. For these children life is so short, but knowing that we can help make that short life happier means everything to us. If you are interested in helping to raise vital money for these children and are willing to commit to raising funds with us, please get in touch at aledsfriends@tesco.net
Wendy Long
Chairman, AFHH