NEW boxes for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses in Ceredigion and surrounding counties to give them a “lovely boost” have been handed out.

Hywel Dda Health Charities has been able to purchase items to fill Cwtch Boxes for 30 children and young people being supported by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire thanks to a grant from NHS Charities Together.

The boxes contained a blanket and pillow, a writing set, a family photo frame, a journal, craft items and toys, and were dispatched to families across the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist Dawn Thomas said that these Cwtch Boxes had “put a smile on the faces” of children.

They have been given to 30 young people from babies up to age 25, during a “very difficult period with the challenges of Covid-19.”

“These boxes gave our children and young people a lovely boost and were a nice surprise for them,” Dawn said.

“The families were so grateful for the gifts.

“We also adapted four boxes to give to recently bereaved families.

“I was assisted in this project by Sandra Jones, Hywel Dda’s Head of Therapeutic Play Service.

“We are grateful for the support which enabled us to provide these Cwtch Boxes.”

One 11-year-old patient in the Hywel Dda Health Board area, Mark Haynes, said he was “thrilled with his special delivery.”

For more details about Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board - and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.