Staff and volunteers at a Penarth hospice have been marking the festive season with a series of activities and events – and were joined by Cardiff and Wales star Teddy Williams for their Christmas Fayre and light switch on.

The Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, hosted a day of crafts and festive fun at the Wellbeing and Support Hub at the Bridgeman Road hospice on Thursday, December 5, with people encouraged to browse the stalls, design a festive decoration and add memory star to the tree.

Festive music was also provided by local singers True Harmony and Penarth Community Choir.

Teddy also joined in the festivities, supporting staff with the switching on of the Christmas lights.  

His late father, Owain, was cared for by Marie Curie prior to his death in September 2021.

Teddy said: “After experiencing how much amazing work Marie Curie and other charities do, I was delighted to be asked to come and mark some of the festivities with the team at the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale.

“Seeing how much they do – which they are dependant on fundraising and public donations to deliver – was inspiring and reminded me of the excellent support we had from the nurses who would visit Dad at home.

“I wish all the staff and volunteers at Marie Curie – and those they are caring for and supporting – joy and best wishes this festive season.”

Marie Curie community fundraiser Hannah Leckie, said: “Thank you to Teddy for coming along to visit our hospice – we were thrilled to welcome him to meet our staff and volunteers.

“We also appreciate his support in turning on the Christmas lights, and were comforted to know he speaks so highly of the support his late father received from our hospice at home team.”

Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals provide expert hospice care, whatever the illness, in the comfort of home and at its hospice in Penarth. Marie Curie helps people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.  

As well as the Christmas Fayre, staff also created festive windows in the wellbeing hub, with teams working together to create the Christmas scenes.

On Thursday, December 12, a carol concert will take place at Penarth Methodist Church, supported by Rock Choir and hosted by Marie Curie spiritual care coordinator, Gareth Powell.  The event takes place from 7pm and anyone is welcome to attend. 

The charity’s Information and Support Line will have extended opening hours over Christmas.  The Support Line will be open from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and from 10am to 2pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.  On New Years’s Eve it will open from 10am to 4pm, and 10am to 2pm again on New Year’s Day.  If you need support, call 0800 090 2309. 

To donate to Marie Curie’s Christmas Appeal, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/christmas