Latch Welsh Childrens Cancer Charity

We’re here for families affected by childhood cancer in Wales, providing bespoke emotional, practical and financial support.  

Our charity is based at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff, which means we are here when families need us most. We support children with cancer and those undergoing cancer-like treatment who are under the care of the Paediatric Oncology Principal Treatment Centre in Wales at the Children’s Hospital.  

We provide free accommodation in the hospital that keeps families together when their lives are turned upside down. Our eight bedrooms above the paediatric oncology and haematology unit, or Rainbow Ward, allow families to be close to their child when they’re having treatment. 

Families affected by childhood cancer face extra expenses, from travel costs to increased heating bills. Our grants help to relieve this financial pressure.   

Our dedicated social workers, based in the hospital, help families feel less isolated. They listen to families, represent them at medical team meetings and help them access benefits. Social workers also connect families, including siblings, with our fun hospital and community activities. Along with the annual holidays we provide for families, these create memories and improve wellbeing.

Latch social workers also provide sensitive support to bereaved families. Sadly, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease among children and young people in the UK.  

We influence health policy, fund hospital facilities and support healthcare professionals so that children affected by cancer have better experiences, care and outcomes.  e contributed funding towards the children’s cancer wards at the Children’s Hospital for Wales and paid for them to be refurbished. Every child now has their own room in the Rainbow Ward, providing privacy for families and improving their healthcare experience. 

Latch also funds childhood cancer research, focusing on treatment, children’s experiences and improving their quality of life. Our funding helped establish a research centre dedicated to advancing new cancer treatments for children in Wales.   

We couldn’t be here for families affected by childhood cancer in Wales without our amazing supporters, which include a growing network of local Latch fundraisers. 

Wil you help us be here to support families affected by childhood cancer in Wales, now and in the future?