Local carers attend Marie Curie event as part of Carers Week

The event, held on Monday, June 9, aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the work carers do supporting their loved ones through terminal illness.

The event gave carers the opportunity to meet other carers, share stories, and learn more about the support and services Marie Curie can provide. They also enjoyed taster complementary treatments including reflexology sessions.

The carers were welcomed at 1pm in the Day Centre and Garden Room, and explored the cliff top gardens with some tea and cake whilst enjoying the musical entertainment provided. The afternoon ended with a Balloon Release at 4pm.

Kathy Seddon from Cardiff, who has been a carer twice in the last five years, said: "I can only offer my heartfelt thanks to Marie Curie and other such organisations.

"The Penarth hospice gave wonderful, unstinting support to my family when my husband was dying. Community nurses offered the same outstanding help when my sister was dying.

"At these times every hour is precious and to have help coping with the physical and emotional demands, faced by carers, is immeasurably important."

Kathy added: "I am now really delighted to be able to offer my experience as a carer and my professional expertise as a researcher to the Expert Voices.

"The diversity and rich experience of the group members is humbling. We feel that each session produces much valued understanding about end of life care.

"We also feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the wonderful work done by the superb staff at Marie Curie."

Susan Court, Project Manager of Marie Curie's Caring for Carers Project in Wales, said: "An event like this really celebrates the great work carers in Wales provide for their terminally ill loved ones.

"Caring can take its toll on finances, health, career and family life. Marie Curie aims to provide the practical information and support carers need, building skills and confidence for their caring role."