At Latch, we understand how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be for children, and for their families, and how much resilience it takes to face it head-on. To support families, we're here with practical support like hospital-based accommodation, a team of social workers offering emotional support, and a wide range of financial grants for families facing the unexpected financial toll of childhood cancer. The activities we provide are a vital part of our support because they give families the chance to step away from that environment and spend meaningful, joyful time together. These moments help restore a sense of normality and give children and their loved ones something positive to hold on to during an incredibly difficult time. While children are staying at the Children’s Hospital for Wales, we arrange activities such as balloon modelling, science sessions, music therapy, and more. We host weekly coffee mornings on the ward, giving families a regular space to connect, share experiences, and receive peer support in a familiar and supportive environment. We offer monthly wellbeing sessions, too, which include therapies such as massage, reflexology or reiki to help parents and carers manage stress and improve wellbeing.
Outside of the ward, we organise cinema trips just for families supported by Latch, where children undergoing treatment can safely enjoy films without worries around infection or illness as a result of being in a crowded space. We also arrange socials for teenagers, including nights out, adventure golf and pizza making. For bereaved families supported by Latch, we have three annual events – a coffee morning, a morning memory walk, and a meal. We also provide free holidays for Latch families – something they often find difficult to afford or arrange due to the pressures of caring for, or grieving, a child with cancer. Over the past year, Latch has supported free holidays for over 300 children who are receiving or have recently completed treatment and their family members. In the same period, more than 850 children and family members attended our events. We couldn’t be here for families affected by childhood cancer in Wales without our amazing supporters, and we’re incredibly grateful for all they do.
Jo's story:
Sharelle
One bereaved family that Latch has supported is that of mum-of-five Jo, whose youngest daughter, Sharelle, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April 2020 when she was three years old. After two years of intense treatment, Sharelle went into remission but then developed another type of leukaemia – acute myeloid leukaemia – in March 2024. Very sadly, after aggressive treatment, Sharelle died in February 2025, just after her eighth birthday. Later, Jo and her family went on a free holiday provided by Latch, where they spent quality time together and remembered Sharelle. Jo said: “Our Latch Worker, Hayley, called and asked if we wanted to go on a last-minute family holiday to the Bluestone National Park Resort. It was a quick decision and the best we've made. We hadn’t been on a family holiday for years. Sharelle would always be admitted to hospital when we tried.
“We always include Sharelle in what we do and, thanks to Latch, all the girls packed her teddy bear in their bag when we went to Bluestone. Latch gave us vouchers for the Build-a-Bear shop and we used them to make special bears in Sharelle‘s memory. They've all got Sharelle’s voice inside them. She tells the girls that she loves them and to have a good day. “It was peaceful at Bluestone and made a world of difference. Not having to worry about the expense and having these things provided is amazing. For the children and families who have gone through so much trauma and so many medical procedures and complications, you can never put a price on happiness or quality time.”
