George Thomas Hospice Care’s tree of light gives "angels wings"

George Thomas Hospice care’s tree of light gives ‘angels’ wings

Lights on a huge Christmas tree have been switched on in memory of victims of cancer.

The George Thomas Hospice Care’s Light Up A Life appeal was launched last night by opera star Peter Karrie and last year’s Welsh X Factor hopeful James Williams.

The charity’s appeal gives people an opportunity to remember their loved ones who have died or who are suffering illness by placing a light on the tree.

One such light on the 6ft tree is in memory of Cath James’ mum Ann Lax who died after battling breast cancer.

“Just after the Millennium New Year celebrations my mother told me she was terminally ill with breast cancer,” said Cath, from St Nicholas, Cardiff.

“The devastating news came after months of intensive and gruelling treatment.

“At this point mum was still enjoying the thrills of becoming a grandmother for the first time as my daughter was three months old, then I realised I was losing my mother.

“Mum expressly wished that she wanted to spend the rest of her days at home if possible and not in a hospital bed. I completely supported her wish, but was very apprehensive about our ability to meet her needs through the coming months. She was very ill but her consultant at Velindre Hospital told me a George Thomas Hospice nurse would support us at home.

“One afternoon there was a knock at the door and a lovely lady came into the house and introduced herself as Monica, our George Thomas Hospice nurse.

“She explained she would look after all the medical needs of my mum until she passed away as was her wish.

“Monica indeed looked after all of mum’s medical needs professionally and effectively in every way, but what she did not explain was that she would not only look after my mum but the emotional needs of the family as well.

“Our George Thomas Hospice nurse quickly turned from a stranger into our rock. She understood when I cried, and appreciated I felt as if on one hand I’d been given the precious gift of a beautiful baby girl but another hand was taking away the most important woman in my life.

“Monica counselled me through this tough time and gave me, my brother and my dad the strength to get through every day and every night.”

Just five months after Ann told her family she was terminally ill she was able to fulfil her wish and passed away peacefully at home thanks to the support of the charity’s nursing care.

“George Thomas Hospice nurses are truly the ‘angels’ of the nursing profession,” said Cath. “They not only provide the highest quality of care but support whole families through very tough times.

“Every Christmas I am blessed with a wonderful family to share it with. Light Up A Life is my way of remembering the wonderful Christmas’ that my mum gave me.

“It’s my time to remember the hours she would spend putting cloves into oranges to make the house smell gorgeous and the dozens of mince pies she would make for visiting friends and family.

“Christmas will never be the same without her. However, every year I commit to Light Up A Life, I know somewhere in Cardiff there is a family who is benefiting from a George Thomas Hospice nurse.

“I still see our George Thomas Hospice Nurse from time to time... she will always be our ‘angel’.”


Written by Jesscia Flynn of the South Wales Echo back to top