June 13, 2019 - 1259 views
A £150,000 renovation and extension project at Tŷ Gobaith has been achieved on time and well under budget thanks to amazing support from the local community and businesses.
Tŷ Gobaith first opened its doors 15 years ago. The renovation and extension has seen worn out areas replaced, and some new facilities added for the benefit of children and families using the vital services.
Commercial Director Andy Fergus, said the project had been completed in just four weeks which was essential because local children and families rely on the hospice for respite and end-of-life care.
“We were really fortunate to have the support of our main contractor Brenig Construction who, along with their sub-contractors, were able to save us more than £50,000 by donating their time, skills and materials.
"It was like one of those tv programmes where everyone rallies around to get a project done in record time,” he explained.
“We also had an anonymous donation from a local family of £73,000, as well as a number of smaller donations.
"And our Autumn fundraising campaign #ChloesStory, which was led by Chloe’s mum Karen Farrell, raised the money needed to create the new Snowflake Suite. Everyone has been amazing and we can’t thank them enough.”
The largest part of the project was replacing 250 square metres of decking which ran alongside the entire rear of the hospice, enabling the communal areas and bedrooms to make the most of the stunning estuary views.
“After 15 years this had begun to rot and we were having to stop children and families from using it,” explained Andy.
“This has now been replaced by a solid base with a soft surface, like you see in children’s playgrounds, which is green, blue and yellow to fit in with the surrounding hills and river. We have also replaced the railings with glass so that children in wheelchairs can see the fabulous views too.”
A new lounge for young adults has been built. When Tŷ Gobaith first opened its doors the hospice cared for young people up to the age of 18 years, but this has now been extended to 25 years.
“One of the service users, 20-year-old Luke Millington, spent a morning here advising us and the resulting lounge takes into account all of his advice,” added Andy.
“It will be fitted with the latest technology so that everything is voice activated including the door, tv, lights and blinds. Our aim is to give the young adults using the room their own space and as much independence as possible to empower them.”
The third part of the project involved turning the Snowflake Room into a suite. The special chilled room is a place where anyone who dies under the age of 25 years can stay while their family and friends say goodbye in their own time, supported by the hospice team.
The latest works have seen a Snowflake lounge created next door, and direct access formed onto a private adjoining garden. The whole Snowflake Suite is now self-contained giving families complete privacy.
Mark Parry, Managing Director of Brenig Construction, said it had been a privilege to work on the project.
“It is a pleasure for Brenig Construction and our supply chain partners to support such a worthwhile cause in the local area,” he said.
“Brenig have been supporting Tŷ Gobaith on various projects over the last few years and so when the opportunity arose to work with the hospice on such a transformational large scale renovation project with which our business expertise aligns it made complete sense.
“On a personal note, both Howard and myself (Group Managing Directors) are extremely proud to be able to support such a worthwhile charity and would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Brenig Construction and also the many contractors which have helped facilitate this extremely important project.
“We both sincerely hope that the works undertaken will bring tangible benefits to both the children and their families at a time of greatest need.”
