News
HRH celebrates the work of George Thomas Hospice Care
1st March 2010
Staff, volunteers and supporters of a hospice that has been serving a Welsh city for 25 years enjoyed a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales today.
The Prince welcomed guests, who included some well-known names, to his London home to celebrate the work of George Thomas Hospice Care which has been providing crucial services in Cardiff since 1984.
The celebration came on St David's Day - the patron saint of Wales – and was marked by The Prince, the hospice's Patron, who wore a leek on the lapel of his suit.
Television presenter Sian Lloyd, who has been an ambassador for the hospice for the last three years, said: "They support people at a difficult time for them and their families and it's lovely to see many people involved with it here.
"A lot of people here today are volunteers who give their time and commitment and do a lot of fundraising.
"It's very difficult in the current economic climate for charities to fundraise but this reception will help raise the profile of the hospice."
The hospice provides specialist nurses, occupational therapists, a social worker, welfare rights officer and bereavement counsellor helping hundreds of patients, their families and carers.
It is based in the grounds of Cardiff's Whitchurch Hospital and has been supported over the years by Labour MP Julie Morgan, wife of former Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who attended the reception.
The guests were entertained by talented young Welsh harpist Ben Creighton Griffiths.
The 13-year-old from Cardiff played traditional tunes from his homeland and jazz and classical pieces.