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Five years ago, ice hockey fan Chris Thomas, from Caerphilly, lost his four-year-old daughter, Scarlett, to a condition so rare it didn’t even have a name.
This weekend, Chris will be taking part in a charity ice hockey tournament to raise money for Ty Hafan, the charity that supported his family throughout Scarlett’s illness.
Born in 2014, Scarlett was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal condition.
At seven months old, Scarlett, mum Clair and Chris began receiving support from Ty Hafan.
After Scarlett died in September 2018, Clair and Chris have raised more than £25,000 for the charity in their own right.
Now, Chris will be looking to add to that total when he represents the Ty Hafan All Stars ice hockey team this weekend, in what will be his first-ever ice hockey game – with Clair cheering him on from the sidelines.
The annual UK Charity All Stars tournament, which will be held at Cardiff’s Ice Arena Wales, will feature teams representing eight different charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Help for Heroes.
“We have watched and supported All Stars for years,” said Chris. “From the moment of Scarlett’s lap on the ice with the team captain James, we were hooked and have supported with fundraising ever since.
“This year, to be given the chance to play and support Ty Hafan at the same time, I’ve jumped at the opportunity. Then came the realisation that I need to learn to skate.”
Chris continued: “Wearing the jersey this year with Scarlett’s badge situated over my heart has the makings of an emotional weekend.
“It shows what the team and Ty Hafan is all about. It’s about supporting children and their families. A place that supported us and still does.”
Helen Morgan, senior community fundraiser at Ty Hafan, said: “Scarlett became mascot for Ty Hafan All Stars in 2016 and loved the tournament. Now Ty Hafan All Stars play in memory of her and, the inspiration for their incredible fundraising efforts, she is featured on the Team Scarlett motif on the team’s shirts.”
Ms Morgan continued: “They also raised an amazing £16,000 in sponsorship for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice – having raised well over £70,000 for us since they began taking part in the tournament back in 2016.”
The competition takes place between noon and 7pm on both Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30.
Tickets can be bought on the door, costing £3 for a day or £5 for the weekend. There is no set price for children’s tickets other than a small donation.
There will be free parking at the arena over the weekend, the charity has said.
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