A generous donation by Specsavers of £10,958 will mark the beginning of its year-long support of Welsh children’s hospice, Ty Hafan. This sum represents the amount it costs the charity to provide 24 hours of care.

The partnership sees Specsavers in Pembroke Dock join forces with 35 other stores across mid and south Wales to carry out fundraising activity in aid of Ty Hafan.

The deal was sealed when Specsavers staff visited the Sully hospice to mark the date that it paid for a day of care.

“The charity provides vital support for families going through what can only be described as an unimaginable time, and we’re extremely proud to get behind such a humbling cause,” says Gary Owen, Specsavers store director in Pembroke Dock.

“We’re always striving to support causes that have a positive impact on the communities that we’re based in, and Ty Hafan is a shining example of an organisation that does exactly that.”

Since 1999, the charity has supported 689 children across Wales, 263 of which are currently being helped through its services.

He adds: “We are looking forward to actively fundraising for Ty Hafan so that in the coming year we, together with our neighbouring Specsavers stores, will significantly build on the initial £10,958 donation, to help fund the care for life-limited children and young people in our communities.”

Ty Hafan is tasked with raising more than £4 million a year to provide its specialist services free of charge, which averages at a cost of £10,958 a day. As well as caring for life-limited children and young people, the charity provides support and care for their families. It also extends its work outside the hospice through community outreach support, with 40 per cent of the youngsters it cares for benefitting from this service.

Alison Stallard, head of fundraising at Ty Hafan, said: “Having the support of a household high street name like Specsavers is fantastic and we’re thrilled to have started the partnership on such a high through the generous pay for a day donation.

“As the only children’s hospice in South Wales, we rely heavily on the backing of our partners to make sure that every year we raise enough money so that our services remain free for those who so desperately need them. Specsavers’ pledge to support us for the next 12 months will go a long way in making sure that families can spend quality time together and create positive, lasting memories as they go through difficult and challenging times.”