FAMILIES have been urged to take part in a midnight walk through Cardiff in a bid to raise money for the Ty Hafan children's hospice.

Ty Hafan’s Wales Onesie Walk aims to raise awareness about the struggles and sleepless nights parents of children with life-limiting conditions face.

Nichola Smith's five-year-old son, Lewis, has a rare genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis and, like many children and young people supported by Ty Hafan, requires 24 hour care.

“When I think of my daily routine, it really starts at midnight rather than the normal 6am or 7am,” she said.

“An average night involves pain management, including giving medication and abdomen massages, washing him, feeding him and dealing with seizures.”

When the morning finally arrives, Nichola will tackle day-to-day tasks like meal times and the school-run with daughter, Holly, as well as caring for Lewis and organising appointments and ordering medication.

This is why Nichola, of Llantwit Fadre, is such a supporter of Ty Hafan’s Wales Onesie Walk, organised to raise vital funds and awareness of the challenges families like hers face.

Now, entering its fifth year, the Ty Hafan night-time walk taking place on Friday, June 26, starts and finishes at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Nichola said: “I’d like to thank all the ladies who take part in the night-time walks. They are always such fun and highlight some of the difficulties that families like ours face.”

Ty Hafan offers a range of services for life-limited children and their families, one of which is providing short-break care to children and their families at its hospice in Sully so families can take time out from their caring duties.

Emily Fradd, Marketing and Events Coordinator at Ty Hafan, said: “The vast majority of Ty Hafan’s funding comes from charitable donations and fundraising. The Wales Onesie Walk is one of the activities raising these vital funds.”

The event, kindly sponsored by Cardiff’s Walkabout – the official venue of the Wales Onesie Walk after party – has had a makeover. This year walkers are required to wear a onesie and can choose from a choice of 5km or 10km routes, both ending at midnight.

Emily added: “It’s a magical night-time walk, with the camaraderie between the hundreds of women taking part, creating a wonderful atmosphere. As well as the walk, there will be pamper sessions, music, games and prizes before the event, and the usual glow packs and giveaways on offer.”

The Wales Onesie Walk is a ladies-only event starting at 10pm on Friday, June 26. Men are not being left out as Ty Hafan needs male marshals to provide a clear and safe route for the ladies taking part.

Entry is just £10 per person and each walker is asked to raise £50 in sponsorship.

To register or for more information, please visit www.walesonesiewalk.co.uk