The fight to save legendary writer Dylan Thomas' family home has been given a massive boost - thanks to a former Poet Laureate from beyond the grave.
The historic house on Cwmdonkin Drive in Swansea where Dylan Thomas penned some of the most exciting poems in 20th century literature is under threat.
It was saved from ruin by owner Geoff Haden who restored the home to how it would have looked in 1914 - and opened a museum for fans.
But it faced an uncertain future after Mr Haden fell ill - and then the museum was forced to close by coronavirus.
Now the literary estate of the late Ted Hughes has stepped in with an offer to donate £3,500 towards a crowd-funding target of £15,000.
Hughes, the husband of tragic poet Sylvia Plath, was the honorary president of the Dylan Thomas Society and held the Poet Laureate office until his death in 1998.
His widow, Carol Hughes said her husband was a great admirer of Thomas' work - and even visited the house himself.
She said: "I am delighted to be able to support the fund-raising appeal by contributing on behalf of the Ted Hughes Estate towards the vital upkeep of the fabric of this important building, now so lovingly restored to how it looked when the young Dylan Thomas lived and worked here.
"I hope others will feel able to support the appeal too."
The donation will also be boosted by Welsh drama company, Moonlight Theater, which is run by Carol Hughes' brother.
The Haden family took over the birthplace fifteen years ago - when it was in a semi derelict condition.
It took "three long and expensive years" to restore it to its condition as a new house might have been in 1914 when bought by the Thomas family, a few months before Dylan was born in the front bedroom.
The Birthplace is one of The Times Best 25 Small Museums, the winner of the Hudson’s Heritage Awards Best Place to Stay, Tourism Swansea Bay Best Small Attraction 2019 and is Number 3 in the Trip Advisor list of 122 attractions in Swansea Bay.
A spokesman said: "Sadly at the end of February Geoff was rushed into hospital to undergo emergency heart surgery.
"The Covid 19 pandemic lockdown hit the UK just three weeks after Geoff's operation. Like many hospitality businesses, we had to close with immediate effect. We hope to be ready to open again as soon as we are allowed by the Welsh Government although we don't see that as being any time soon.
"To keep the birthplace running amounts to over £400 a week even when we are not operational.
"Geoff is recovering well, and we have a wonderful team of loyal staff and volunteers ready to get stuck in, to work harder than ever, and to welcome visitors back to the Birthplace when it is safe to do so."
