Rugby ace delivers gifts to hospice
WALES rugby star Leigh Halfpenny has paid a special visit to Welsh children’s hospice Ty Hafan to deliver more than 500 gifts before Christmas.
Halfpenny was on hand to surprise families and make the special delivery this week.
Ty Hafan offers care, comfort and support for children and young people with lifelimiting conditions and their families across Wales.
Hundreds of gifts had been donated by generous St David’s Cardiff shoppers, and included toys from the likes of Hamleys, Lego and Disney.
The toy appeal runs until Friday, December 22, and is supporting 20 charities across south Wales, with charities receiving toy donations throughout the campaign for children and families.
Nearly 6,000 gifts have been donated so far.
British & Irish Lions star Halfpenny spent time with children and families as toys were delivered with less than three weeks to go before Christmas.
He said: “It was amazing to see the children’s faces and the excitement when they saw the toys arriving. They were all looking in the boxes to see what they would like to play with.
“It was a special thing to be part of in the run-up to Christmas. It’s always great to be back at Ty Hafan.
“The families are amazing and the staff do an amazing job.”
Steven Madeley, general manager for St David’s, said they were thrilled to welcome the Scarlets player.
Mr Madeley said: “Having Leigh’s support, and seeing the generosity of our shoppers truly brings the spirit of Christmas – we are well on our way to surpass last year’s donations.”
Shoppers who want to take part in the appeal can head to one of two donation stations at St David’s. The first is near the Clogau store on the lower level, and the second is near Watches of Switzerland.