A HOSPITAL room designed to give families a comforting space while waiting for news or preparing to say their goodbyes has been dedicated to the memory of murdered Barry teen Conner Marshall.

Bereavement charity 2 Wish Upon a Star opened the newly refurbished family room in the critical care department at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff yesterday.

Conner's family attended the opening ceremony where mum Nadine Marshall spoke about the help they received from the charity and hospital at the time of her son's death in March 2015.

Conner, 18, was assaulted in an unprovoked attack at Trecco Bay Caravan Park, Porthcawl suffering severe injuries which he later died from at the hospital.

His attacker, David Braddon who had mistaken Conner for his ex-girlfriend's former partner, was jailed for life for the murder of the former Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg pupil.

After his death, Conner’s family were supported by 2 Wish Upon A Star, and has since fundraised for the charity, raising over £10,000.

At the opening ceremony Nadine Marshall said: “As a family we are delighted to be able to open the family room in memory of Conner. The staff that treated Conner at UHW were fantastic and it was touching to see many of them at the opening.

“The support we received from 2 Wish Upon A Star has been invaluable - from the holistic therapy right through to the counselling sessions. There is very little help out there for parents and even less for grandparents, so the parent and grandparent groups that the charity holds are very important. It brings people together who have gone through the worst moments of their lives, and provides a forum for us to support each other.

“Thanks to this family room others will now be able to get the care and support they need at a time when they will undoubtedly need it. Conner’s mantra was that life goes on, and we hope that the room will help people during their darkest hours.”

2 Wish Upon A Star founder, Rhian Burke added: “Every family deserves the right to privacy and peace during the worst moments of their lives. Sadly this is lacking across much of Wales, but we’re working hard to address the issue.

"The family bereavement rooms are situated in the Accident and Emergency departments and our aim is to have one in every hospital across Wales.

“I’d like to thank the fantastic support that Nadine and her family has given 2 Wish Upon A Star.

"No-one should ever have to go through what the Marshall family went through, but when the worst happens, it’s comforting to know that there are those out there like Nadine and her husband who are working to provide support and understanding.

"As a charity we could not function without the phenomenal backing of volunteers like Nadine, her family and the fantastic hospital staff themselves, who share our heartache and grief, but then have to go back to work and finish their 12 hour shift.”