I will be taking part in Barry Island and Cardiff 10K to raise as much money for Ty Hafan in memory of the beautiful Emilia.

Please read Andrea’s (Emilia’s Mother) story below: 

I will be running the Cardiff 10k in September 2020 to raise money and awareness of Ty Hafan in memory of my beautiful daughter Emilia who sadly lost her battle with life in September just two months after celebrating her 8th birthday. I will be running with a group of friends both old and new.. some of whom have never run before but have been inspired to do so in Emilia’s memory. 

Emilia was diagnosed 5 years ago with a rare brain degenerative disease. Thankfully up until just over a year ago she led a fairly ‘normal’ life, she loved going to school everyday. Loved everything pretty-rainbows, butterflies, unicorns and sparkles. Singing and dancing around the house a particular favourite, playing schools with her brave little sister Nell for hours and spending time with her close friends. She made friends wherever she went and had the most beautiful smile and infectious giggle that will stay with me forever. 

Unfortunately since Christmas 2018 following surgery, Emilia deteriorated considerably. She lost the use of her legs, she was unable to eat anything orally, she would regularly have seizures and required 24 hour care. Days and nights have been unbearable, completely heartbreaking and so painful to watch our beautiful, kind, caring girl suffer so much. She rarely complained and always had a smile for those she loved, of whom there were many. 

Ty Hafan (a local children’s hospice) have been an incredible support to us through this time. I took a step back from my job to care for Emilia full time, the days when the therapists came meant so much to us both and always managed bring a smile to her face. Emilia’s particular favourites were Abi, the complementary therapist and Sarah, the play therapist, who both helped to make her days more comfortable and fun, I will be forever grateful to them. 

Ty Hafan also made it possible for Emilia to stay at home with us for 36 hours after she had passed, which gave us as a family so much comfort and enabled friends and family to say their goodbyes. I really feel this time also helped Nell a great deal in processing everything. All staff we have met have been so special, kind and caring, just what was needed when going through such times. 

By running the Cardiff 10K with my friends, I would love to be able to help put back something into Ty Hafan, so that they can continue to provide the amazing support they do for children and their families. I know they are currently trying to raise £1.5 million to refurbish this special place; hopefully this fundraising will help them to achieve their goal.