A family supported by City Hospice during the illness of a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother earlier this year is getting involved with the charity’s Forever Flowers campaign this summer.
Forever Flowers allows supporters to remember cherished family members, friends and loved ones with a unique and lasting tribute. The limited-edition flowers will feature in a striking display in the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday July 24 to Sunday August 8.
Gemma Powell and her family are supporting Forever Flowers to raise awareness of City Hospice’s important work and services following the loss of mother and grandmother Lynne in February.
Lynne, who had been living with Alzheimer’s for a number of years, was sadly diagnosed with bladder cancer at the start of January and was cared for by City Hospice in her final days.
Gemma said: “Before Christmas, we had noticed that mum had lost weight as well as her appetite and in the New Year, the advanced cancer diagnosis was confirmed. It was getting increasingly difficult for myself and my dad to care for mum and our doctor put us in touch with City Hospice for specialist palliative care.
“The nurses were so lovely and discussed everything with us. They helped arrange the delivery of care equipment that would make mum more comfortable at home as well as sorting the medication needed, all of which was put into place really quickly.
“Although mum was not under the care of City Hospice for very long, the hospice made such an impact in a short amount of time. The support we received in just a few days made the world of difference and we really valued that mum was able to receive such excellent care in her own home.”
Since their loss, the Powell family have been keen to support the charity as much as possible.
Gemma said: “My husband Matthew and our children Nia and Louis took part in Llanishen High School’s Heart and Sole 100 Heroes Challenge for City Hospice; walking, running and cycling over 12,000 miles to virtually travel from Cardiff to Patagonia. It was a really fun way to give something back and then we heard about Forever Flowers through the school’s updates.
“We really wanted to be involved with this incredible campaign to remember mum but also to raise awareness of the charity. We hadn’t heard of City Hospice before we were in need of their care and want to bring more awareness to the brilliant services they provide, particularly care in the home which was so important to our family.”
Liz Andrews, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “We are delighted that Gemma, Matthew, Nia and Louis are supporting our Forever Flowers campaign, a unique way to celebrate and remember loved ones, in memory of Lynne.
“This special campaign will help fund essential care for people with terminal or life limiting conditions across the capital and allow us to continue to support more families like the Powells.”
Forever Flowers can be purchased by visiting cityhospice.org.uk/forever-flowers and cost £18 per flower.
