Home from home for families in trying times get a new makeover

FAMILIES with very sick babies being cared for in a Swansea Hospital can now stay nearby in warm and welcoming houses that really are in a league of their own.

- JAMES ARNOTT

The terrace of five homes, known as Cwtsh Clos, have been transformed thanks to a huge fundraising appeal run by Swansea Bay Health Charity.

Cwtsh Clos is for families whose babies are being looked after in Singleton’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU.

The houses are in the hospital grounds, close to the NICU, and have undergone a welcome refurbishment thanks to the generosity of people and organisations who have supported the Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos Appeal.

One of the five properties has been named Gulliver's House in memory of musician and broadcaster Mal Pope's grandson Gulliver, who sadly passed away after being born prematurely.

It means the families, already going through a stressful time and often living a long way away, can be close to their babies in a comforting environment.

This week charity ambassadors, local MPs and MSs, health board staff and devoted supporters gathered to celebrate the official opening of Cwtsh Clos, following an appeal to raise £160,000 to pay for the refurbishment of the two-bedroom properties.

The efforts have been supported by Swansea City FC, who dedicated their home Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers earlier this year to the appeal, hosting pre-match events and fundraising throughout the day, and raising awareness.

The unveiling of the refurbished properties marked a milestone in the charity's appeal to transform the houses into warm, welcoming homes for families.

Mr Pope's gratitude for the care his family received at Singleton Hospital NICU fuelled his mission to raise vital funds for Cwtsh Clos.

He said: "After our family spent time in NICU, I asked if there was anything I can do to help. When I was told about the £160,000 target, I thought that figure would be a little bit out of our grasp.