A CAMPAIGN to encourage individuals and businesses to fund care at a Penarth hospice for a day was officially launched recently.

The event on Wednesday, May 11 saw the start of Marie Curie's Pay for a Day drive, which asks individuals or businesses to pay the £6,660 cost of running the Marie Curie's Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth for a single day.

In exchange, individuals or companies can pay a visit to the hospice to see how their donation is used to support local people, and their families, while a certificate of support bearing the donor’s name can also be put on display in the hospice reception area if they choose.

The Pay for a Day campaign is being fronted by Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones, who lives in Cardiff.

Mr Lewis Jones is best known for his leading role in Sky One drama Stella, as well as roles in Game of Thrones, Hinterland and numerous roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

As part of his support for Marie Curie, Mr Lewis Jones will be undertaking his own challenge to pay for a day’s care at the hospice, details of which will be released later this year.

Mr Lewis Jones, Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale hospice Pay for a Day ambassador, said: "Pay for a Day is a new Marie Curie initiative aimed at helping the charity tackle the on-going challenge of raising funding for their hospices by securing greater support from within the hospice’s own local communities.

"Paying for 24 hours of care at the hospice is a way of providing patients and families with remarkable care and support.

"It is something I am proud to be a part of, and I hope others can join me."

Hospice manager Paula Elson added: “The hospice provides care and support for more than 1,200 people, and their family and loved ones, every year.

"None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, and we are extremely grateful of the continuing level of support we receive from across Wales, but particularly here in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan."

To find out more about how you can Pay for a Day, contact Georgina Burke on 02920 426068 or email Georgina.burke@mariecurie.org.uk.