Mermaid Quay and Roath Lake were lit up in purple on 1 October to mark the start of City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal.
The appeal runs from the beginning of October until 31 December, giving people opportunities to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones in the lead up to and during the festive season.
Over the next three months, supporters will be able to remember loved ones with a virtual star in the sky and at a remembrance service at Llandaff Cathedral, and take part in events including a festive concert, the Big Christmas Wrap, Jolly Jumpers and Rudolph Runs.
Donations made during the appeal period will be doubled through match funding from The Hodge Foundation.
Dr Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “To see major landmarks and locations in our city illuminated in memory of and in celebration of the lives of loved ones is a special start to our appeal. We hope that Light up a Life brings comfort and light to our community during the festive season.”
Karen Hodge, a trustee of the Hodge Foundation, said: “It is our utmost pleasure to support City Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal again this year. Through our match funding, donations will be doubled to help City Hospice continue to deliver their vital care and services to patients and their families across Cardiff.”
Among those supporting this year’s appeal are Jennifer Phillips and Alison Boxhall, who will be remembering their dad, Alan Phillips, and other family members cared for by City Hospice.
Alan, a former naval officer in the Merchant Navy who went on to work in the building trade and steelworks in Cardiff, was diagnosed with mesothelioma and dementia within the space of eight weeks in early 2024. City Hospice provided him with specialist palliative care, as well as opportunities to enjoy day hospice activities such as the Sports Bar, before he died aged 91 in 2025.
Alison said: “He loved the nurses – Faye, Sarah and Jenna – who provided great care at home and at the hospice. They were a brilliant support and always responsive to his needs and our queries.”
Jennifer said: “We felt that City Hospice truly looked after the whole family, not just Dad. We really like how the hospice supports and focuses on quality of life. With their support we could still go on holidays and little trips away. They allowed us all to embrace and live life with no regrets.”
Alison said: “We have always been involved with City Hospice as they have helped our family so much so sharing our story in support of Light up a Life was something we wanted to do. Our mum Barbara 30 years ago, our mum’s sister and more recently my husband Tony have all benefitted from the care and compassion of the charity.”
City Hospice is the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff. The charity, which was established in 1984, 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.
