Princess Diana's Former Top Aide Helps Create 'Tranquil' Space at Children's Hospice in Her Honor (Exclusive)

The former aide to the late Princess Diana has played a key role in helping the hospice create a special area for children, families and staff

Princess Diana legacy is being honored in Wales, where she helped create a lasting impact for children with life-limiting conditions.

The Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice, located near Cardiff, has unveiled a newly renovated area to offer comfort to families, thanks to a generous donation of around $122,000 from Diana’s former aide, Patrick Jephson.

Jephson selected Tŷ Hafan—meaning "Haven House" in Welsh—to receive the funds after he won a damages payout from the BBC in 2022. This followed the fallout from the controversial 1995 Panorama interview with Diana, which was obtained through “deceitful methods” by journalist Martin Bashir. The BBC later apologized to Jephson for the “serious harm” caused.

The donation was used to refurbish The Sanctuary, a non-denominational space for reflection and contemplation for families and caregivers at the hospice. On Oct. 16, the newly renovated space was officially unveiled to supporters.

Jephson, who served in a role akin to chief of staff for Princess Diana for eight years until 1996 and now resides in Washington, D.C., couldn’t attend the event, explaining he's "been in the repair shop," as he puts it. However, he tells PEOPLE, “I don’t feel an ocean away. One of many wonderful things about the work of Tŷ Hafan is that it reminds us every day that neither distance nor time can put any limit on love."

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He adds that one of his “most enduring” memories of Diana is “her determination to lead from the heart — such as her work with end-of-life care around the world, and children’s hospices in particular.”

The work of Tŷ Hafan, “like the work she did to draw the world’s attention to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, is surely the definition of love in action.”

Related: How Princess Diana's Aide Used Settlement from 'Panorama' Interview to Continue Her Legacy

Jephson, represented at the hospice on Oct. 16 by his agent Sue Ayton — who played a pivotal role in securing the settlement from the BBC—serves as a living connection to Diana's legacy. His donation represents a positive resolution to a deeply stressful chapter in the former royal aide's life.

He and the staff have much to be proud of. At the entrance of The Sanctuary, a plaque honors Diana, positioned beneath an image of her meeting Suzanne Goodall, the founder who first approached the princess for her support.

Inside the space, the hospice has created a haven of peace. Candles are lit and curved windows create a seamless connection to the recently rejuvenated gardens that envelop the building.

Heather Roberts, the senior play practitioner, played guitar as she had the evening before for families honoring their children. “Families come back for years and years. So many families feel so nurtured here,” she says. “Many say they feel closer to their child here."

Tracy Jones, director of family wellbeing services, tells PEOPLE, “We wanted to create something that felt calm and tranquil and also safe. History and legacy is important to us. When we talk about our founder, Suzanne Goodall, you cannot talk about her without talking about Princess Diana. Without Princess Diana, we would not have the hospice. With the fundraising, she kick-started the hospice."

The new space not only as a place for families to remember their loved ones but also as a vital resource for staff. “A member of staff who might have a challenging day on the care wing can use the space in the same way we encourage families to do.” Chief Executive Irfon Rees says.

“Our care staff develop bonds with these children and their families both in life and death — as long as they need us," Rees says. "And so many staff will find different ways to deal with loss themselves and The Sanctuary is absolutely part of that offer for them.”

They hold “reflective sessions” following a child’s death, allowing colleagues to share memories and celebrate the child's life. "It allows a beautiful space for that," Rees adds.

The connection between Diana and Tŷ Hafan began in 1995 when the founder approached her about becoming the hospice's patron. “It hadn’t even broken ground, but she said yes,” Jephson recalls. The first major fundraiser was a concert featuring opera legend Luciano Pavarotti in nearby Cardiff, following Diana’s request. Tragically, she never saw it come to fruition, as she died away in 1997. The hospice eventually opened its doors 25 years ago in 1999.

Related: How Princess Diana's Aide Used Settlement from 'Panorama' Interview to Continue Her Legacy

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This year, the hospice has already provided end-of-life care for 40 children. As one of only two children’s centers of its kind in Wales, it supports approximately 300 children with life-shortening conditions and around 3,000 family members annually. Maintaining its vital services for children and young people with life-limiting conditions—and their families—costs $7.8 million each year. This funding ensures the hospice can assist families both at its facility in Sully and in homes and community settings across Wales.

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