A family whose loved ones were cared for by City Hospice will be supporting Forever Flowers next month to say thank you for the care they received.
Forever Flowers is an award-winning, annual campaign which invites supporters to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones with a unique and lasting tribute. The limited edition flowers will feature in a special display in the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 August.
This year’s choice of flower is a rose, symbolising love, affection and respect while also paying tribute to the charity which is marking its ruby anniversary this year.
Luan Al-Haddad and her children Connor and Lara will dedicate their Remember Me Roses to husband and dad Tony Foster and mother and grandmother Anne-Marie Al-Haddad.
The family were first introduced to City Hospice following Tony’s diagnosis of melanoma.
Luan said: “Initially we didn’t think it was anything to worry about so Tony had a number of operations and we carried on as normal. About a year later, we found out that the cancer was progressing and had spread.
“City Hospice became involved in Tony’s care 18 months before he passed. Our nurse was unbelievable; anything that needed sorting out, she would come and help. They were constantly just a phone call away and provided incredible medical and emotional support to us.”
In addition to the medical care provided to Aston Villa fan Tony, the charity also provided specialist counselling services for Luan and the children prior to and following Tony’s death.
Luan said: “There was a running joke that Tony was like a modern day ‘Del Boy Trotter’. He was fun to be around and acted like a mate to the children. He shared his love for football and golf with Connor and his quick, dry and witty sense of humour with Lara.
“As Connor and Lara were still very young when Tony became ill, I wasn’t sure what information to give them. Even visiting City Hospice, when you hear the word hospice, you’re not sure what to expect. It’s really not what you expect because it’s a warm, safe place to be. The counselling team were able to assist, explaining Tony’s illness and its progression to them in age appropriate ways, encouraged them to share their worries and helped them understand what was happening at every stage.
“The children have amazed me at how strong they were during Tony’s illness and how incredible they are, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the services of City Hospice. They gave them the permission to let their feelings out and express themselves. After the charity cared for my mum during Covid, we received further counselling and art therapy. I don’t know where we’d be without that support.”
The family have been keen to give back to City Hospice in any way they can, from volunteering and participating in events like the Sparkle Walk and Wag this Way to remembering their loved ones by purchasing Forever Flowers each year.
Luan said: “I volunteered at the very first Forever Flowers display in 2021. I thought it was such a lovely and touching idea that the flowers represent loved ones that I had to get involved. I have a number of Forever Flowers now, some of them are in our garden and some we have planted at Tony and Mum’s graves. We are looking forward to seeing our Remember Me Roses at the castle very soon!”
