Since its founding in 1984, when with others it was instrumental in bringing palliative care to Cardiff, George Thomas Hospice Care has provided specialist care and support to thousands of patients and their families suffering from Cancer and other life threatening illnesses. George Thomas Hospice Care’s consultant led multi-disciplinary clinical team is recognised as the model for palliative care development in Wales.

The 25th Anniversary Celebrations began with a special launch gathering at Ty George Thomas, the purpose built and award winning hospice centre of George Thomas Hospice Care in Whitchurch opened in July 2005 by the charity’s Patron HRH The Prince of Wales.

Addressed by WAG First Minister Rhodri Morgan the Anniversary Launch was attended by patients, civic and church leaders, local MPs and AMs, major supporters, past and present trustees, staff and volunteers of George Thomas Hospice Care.

The Launch also saw the unveiling of a plaque on a special new stone monument within the garden of Ty George Thomas on which are inscribed some words of Dame Cicely Saunders, recognised as the founder of the hospice movement. The inscription, regarded by many as an inspiration for hospices read:

‘You matter because you are you and you matter to the last moment of your life.’

The garden at Ty George Thomas, in the process of being fully developed, is regarded as an important support facility for patients and their families.

Margaret Pritchard, Chief Executive of George Thomas Hospice Care opened proceedings by first thanking Ben Creighton Griffiths a multi award winning 13 year old harpist who had played for guests had they had assembled and at the beginning of the celebration. In a ten minute address Margaret then highlighted important developments in the history of George Thomas Hospice Care, focused on important aspects of palliative care provision and identified key individuals who and events that had contributed to George Thomas Hospice Care achieving its present position.

The gathering was then addressed by Eric Hammonds, Chairman of the Council of George Thomas Hospice Care. He too gave perspectives on the development of George Thomas Hospice Care, paid tributes to the efforts and commitment of both clinical and administrative staff and highlighted the importance of both volunteers and supporters to its work.

In then addressing the gathering WAG First Minister Rhodri Morgan praised the work of George Thomas Hospice Care and how it was setting the model for the future development of palliative care provision in Wales. How ‘in the most challenging of circumstances, George Thomas Hospice Care has provided an exceptional level of care and value to thousands of cancer patients and others with life threatening illnesses and their families since the charity was established 25 years ago. It is very appropriate that the 25th anniversary celebrations begin on the day the centenary of Viscount Tonypandy’s birth and I hope that the charity’s work can continue to grow and develop over the next 25 years.’

Margaret Pritchard also added ‘as a charity we are very proud to carry the name of Viscount Tonypandy, a great Welshman, and are delighted to launch our very special celebrations on the centenary of his birth’.

She further said ‘I feel sure Viscount Tonypandy would be as delighted as we are with the way George Thomas Hospice Care has grown and developed over the years and the increasingly important contribution it has made to the community we serve. We are very proud, as a small local charity, to be the major specialist home based palliative care provider for the capital of Wales’.


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