VOLUNTEERS who support people affected by terminal illness have enjoyed a special ‘thank you’ tea party courtesy of Marie Curie during Volunteers’ Week.
The Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth played host to a Blooming Great Tea Party event on Monday, June 1, to thank those who gave up their time to support the charity’s work.
The event was attended by people who support Marie Curie in a variety of ways; from minibus drivers and fundraising volunteers, to helper volunteers and those who provide companionship to patients.
Among those in attendance at the celebratory tea party was Geoff Mortimer, who received a special pin badge to commemorate five years of service as a Marie Curie volunteer.
Geoff, from Llantwit Major, conducts collections in local supermarkets and town centres, and also helps with 4am collections at Cardiff Airport when Wales’ rugby fans head to Italy or France during the Six Nations tournament.
Actor and Marie Curie supporter Mark Lewis Jones, famed for his role as Rob in hit Sky One drama Stella, attended the Blooming Great Tea Party to join staff in paying tribute to the charity’s volunteers.
He said: “From speaking to the tea party guests there is no doubt that the contribution of Marie Curie’s volunteers is making a huge difference to the wellbeing of others.
"It was truly humbling to discover the fantastic ways in which these volunteers give up their spare time to support the work of Marie Curie.”
Karen Jones, community fundraiser based at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth, added: “We were thrilled that so many of our volunteers were able to attend our Blooming Great Tea Party so that we could thank them for their amazing support.
"Without the support of our volunteers Marie Curie would not be able to continue to provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families, both here at the hospice and in communities across Wales.”
To sign up for a Blooming Great Tea Party free fundraising pack including invitations, posters and quizzes visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teatime or call 0845 052 4184.
Follow updates on social media using #BloomingGreat
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here