Singleton Hospital homes revamped to help parents with sick children
Pope said Gulliver's story was "going to be very personal", but he decided to share it with others."It's a hard story to tell, but what I realised is that little Gulliver has already touched so many lives," he told BBC Radio Wales. He said Gulliver had contributed to people raising money for the houses which was important because many parents travel a long way to the hospital, including those who are "very tired" when their children are ill."You're at your worst moment when you see a little helpless baby struggling," he said.Pope added that while his family's story "didn't turn out as I would've liked", there were many "wonderful stories of families coming through this together".One of the houses has been named after Gulliver, which Pope said his family was "absolutely delighted" about."He's part of our family – we talk about him all the time as being one of my grandchildren, part of our family."It's a joy in the sadness. It shows you that out of great sadness some wonderful things can happen."
Bethan Wyn used one of the houses several years ago when her daughter Mari, three, spent three months in critical care.After Mari was born "early and critically unwell" in Bristol, Bethan said she was initially reluctant to be transferred to Singleton Hospital as although it was closer to home, they would still be an hour from where their daughter was being looked after."Having that roof over our heads during the most difficult time of our lives meant the world to us – it meant we were a stone's throw away from our little girl during the night."She said she and her family were "grateful" for the fundraising efforts.
Scott James and his partner first used a Cwtsh Clos home when their son, Louie, was born 17 weeks early and died after six days in 2019. They returned when their second son Jacob, who is now four, was born 14 weeks prematurely. Scott said that although he and his partner tried to stay positive through both experiences, "the stress levels were through the roof".Although the houses they used "needed some refurbishment", he said staying nearby was a great help, and that being back brought "very mixed emotions". "It was a really tough time, but we can look back with a smile certainly," he said. Scott said he found the transformation to the homes "incredible", saying it gave him "goosebumps". "Seeing the houses now, it's just 'wow'. I'm so proud of everyone involved," he said.Located close to the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, the homes have been designed to give families "a place to unwind and recharge", said Swansea Bay Health Charity.
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