Daughter's heartfelt donation in mum's memory provides a real boost for patients at Ty Garngoch

The daughter of a former patient at Ty Garngoch Hospital in Gorseinon has made a heartfelt donation in her mum’s memory.

Sian King, whose mum Rachel - known to all as Ray - was a patient at the hospital from 2013 until she sadly died in 2019, has gifted a wide selection of specialist items for patients as a tribute to the care and support the family received.

Flashing coasters, which are intended to prompt dementia patients to take a drink, talking alarm clocks, activity boards designed to reduce anxiety and a special portable audio communicator, which makes a huge difference to people who are hard of hearing, are all among the items donated by Sian after she’d contacted staff to ask how she could help.

“Sian had read about a previous donation to our lending library at Ty Garngoch and having never forgotten about the support her mum had received - which is really touching - Sian decided to support others in Ray’s memory,” said secondary care team lead for older person’s mental health, Sue Williams.

“She set about purchasing items which will really benefit our patient group and we are so grateful to receive such an array of items. We really cannot thank Sian and her family enough for their generosity and support.”

Some of the items donated by Sian King are pictured below

Sian explained how it wasn’t just the care her mum received during regular visits to Ty Garngoch, a community mental health hospital. It was also the support she received herself while experiencing the stresses and sense of isolation which so often comes with caring for an elderly parent or relative.

“I really appreciated the support that I received. There are times when as a carer you do feel isolated,” said Sian.

“That is why I felt I had to give back in some way. Mam died aged 89 in March 2019.

“She was a patient of Dr Heledd Jones at Ty Garngoch, roughly from 2013, when she was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

“As mam was Welsh speaking, it was an added bonus that Dr Heledd, who retired a few years ago, could converse with her in Welsh. She used to love visiting, enjoyed a chat with staff and patients, not to mention a cuppa and a biscuit - chocolate of course.

“I looked after mam for as long as I could. She moved from her hometown in Ystradgynlais to Gorseinon, where she lived with us in a granny flat which gave her some independence.

“She loved musicals and Strictly and we crammed in as many shows and outings as we could until the very end. A week before the dementia progressed suddenly and diminished her faculties and mobility almost overnight, she was dancing in the aisles of the Grand Theatre in Swansea, with a member of boy band Blue, to Viva Las Vegas!

“Ty Garngoch were so good to us so we’re just happy to have been able to provide some equipment which should hopefully really help.”

• If this story has inspired you to raise funds for your local NHS then Swansea Bay Health Charity would love to hear from you. Email the charity team at: swanseabay.healthcharity@wales.nhs.uk.

Swansea Bay Health Charity (registered charity number 1122805) is the official charity of Swansea Bay University Health Board.

It plays a vital role in raising money for projects and activities that support patients, whilst it also supports a range of projects to improve the working conditions and support available to staff. 

Nearly all wards and departments have their own fund, which all come under the Swansea Bay Health Charity umbrella. So if someone wants to give something back for the care they or a loved one has received, the charity ensures the funds raised will go directly there.

The charity does not replace NHS funding but uses generations donations received from patients, their families, staff and local communities to provide above and beyond what they NHS can provide.

For more information, visit the charity’s website: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/swansea-bay-health-charity/

You can also follow the charity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwanseaBayHealthCharity