Leigh Halfpenny returned to a place close to his heart this Christmas as Cardiff Rugby visited Tŷ Hafan, to spend time with the children, families and staff.
A current Cardiff Rugby player and an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, Halfpenny has a long-standing connection with the hospice, having first visited more than a decade ago during an earlier spell back in Cardiff. Reflecting on that relationship, he spoke warmly about what the visit continues to mean to him.
“Coming here when I was back in Cardiff 10 or 12 years ago, I came over at Christmas to see the children, the staff and everyone here,” said Halfpenny. “Just listening to their stories and seeing the amazing work they do for the children and families makes you want to get involved in any way you can to help.”
That sense of admiration has only grown with time. Halfpenny described Tŷ Hafan as a special place, praising not only the care provided but the people behind it.
“The last 10 or 12 years, it’s always been an amazing place to come. The staff, the children and the parents are just incredible,” he added. “It’s a special place close to my heart and it’s great to be back here again.”
Halfpenny was joined on the visit by fellow Cardiff Rugby players Mason Grady, Evan Lloyd, Theo Cabango, Jacob Beetham and coach Corniel van Zyl. The group took part in Tŷ Hafan’s Annual Christmas Carol Concert, spent time meeting families and staff, and were given a tour of the hospice to gain a deeper understanding of the environment created for children and their loved ones.
“It’s great to be here with everyone today and to be shown around,” he said. “You’re reminded just how amazing the place is.”
While acknowledging the sadness of the circumstances many families face, Halfpenny highlighted the compassion and care that define Tŷ Hafan’s work, particularly during the festive period.
“It’s obviously really tough what the children and parents are going through,” he said. “But this is a place that tries to make that time incredibly special, to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. The staff and everyone here do an unbelievable job – it’s a really special place to come.”
The visit to Tŷ Hafan formed part of Cardiff Rugby’s wider programme of Christmas community engagements, with the squad also spending time at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital, spreading festive cheer and showing support for patients, families and staff across South Wales.
Ramble to the Rugby
Lace up your walking boots for sports fans’ new favourite fundraising challenge. Walk the Taff Trail from Caerphilly to Cardiff to watch the Wales v England Six Nations game, all in support of Tŷ Hafan dads.