Cardiff’s most recognisable landmarks have been lit up in purple this week to mark the launch of City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal.
From Cardiff Castle to Roath Park’s lighthouse, Mermaid Quay and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, the city skyline has been transformed to show support for the campaign, which runs until 31 December and helps people honour and remember loved ones.
Sue Newcombe will be remembering Tanya Balch, her partner of 27 years, by supporting the charity’s Light up a Life appeal. City Hospice provided specialist palliative care to Tanya, who had been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and developed metastases, as well as counselling for her loved ones.
Sue said: “The care we received from City Hospice, whether palliative care, welfare advice or counselling, was amazing and delivered with such compassion. They guided us through this difficult time with kindness and understanding. Tanya’s precious sons Ellis and Lloyd, her family and I are so grateful to the charity and all their support.
“Tanya was incredibly special. Her presence in all of our lives has left ripples far beyond what she would have imagined. Tanya gave me lists and notes for everything. In my post-death instructions, I found a note from Tanya which said, ‘share your memories of me so I can exist when I no longer exist’, and Light up a Life feels like the perfect time to tell her story.”
A number of activities and events will be held during the three months of the appeal, providing supporters with plenty of opportunities to get involved such as a festive concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a remembrance service at Llandaff Cathedral, the Big Christmas Wrap at St David’s Dewi Sant and Rudolph Runs in schools. The immersive light trail experience, Christmas at Bute Park, will also be supporting City Hospice as one of its chosen charities for the fourth consecutive year.
Donations will shine twice as bright during Light up a Life thanks to generous match funding from The Hodge Foundation, supporting the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. The charity provides care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.
Dr Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “The festive season can be a challenging time for those who have lost loved ones or are experiencing a difficult period following the news of a terminal or life-limiting illness. Light up a Life aims to bring some light, hope and comfort in the lead up to Christmas by celebrating and remembering loved ones together.
“We are incredibly moved that iconic landmarks in the city will lend support to our cause by lighting up in purple tonight and grateful to the Hodge Foundation for their pledge to match fund donations during the appeal. Every gesture and donation will help brighten the lives of those who need City Hospice this Christmas.”
Karen Hodge, a trustee of the Hodge Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting City Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal once again. Through our match funding, every donation will be doubled, shining twice as bright in memory of loved ones, and helping City Hospice continue to care for those in need in the city at the highest level.”
