Olympian at relaunch of hospice
A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER and former Olympian given just nine months to live six years ago was the guest of honour at the relaunch of a Cardiff hospice yesterday.
Patricia Guy, 77, used the services of the former George Thomas Hospice – now renamed City Hospice – after her second cancer diagnosis.
Patricia competed in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, with her gymnastic events taking place in the Roman Colosseum – and she still has more than a touch of the Olympic spirit.
Six years after her cancer diagnosis, she is determined to be around for the birth of her 20th great-grandchild next May.
Patricia, who was previously treated for cancer in her 20s, a year after she had competed in the Olympics, said: “When I was diagnosed, one doctor told me I had nine months to live. As I was leaving through the hospital doors, I turned around and said ‘nine months? We’ll see about that!’
“As Lord Seb Coe said in a letter he wrote to me, ‘once an Olympian, always an Olympian!’”
Patricia and her husband Glyn, 79, called on the public to support the city hospice in its work caring for families like theirs across Cardiff.
The hospice and shop were originally named after the former Commons speaker George Thomas, who died in 1997. He has been heavily criticised for his role in distributing funds raised in the aftermath of the Aberfan disaster in 1966.
The decision was made to change the name to broaden the hospice’s appeal to the public and clearly distance the charity from any negative connotations associated with the George Thomas name.
Patricia and Glyn were guests of honour as the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfydd Meredith, officially opened City Hospice’s new shop on Cowbridge Road West.
Patricia thanked City Hospice for the ongoing support given to her and her family during her illness.
She said: “The care and support provided by City Hospice is marvellous. We’ve only got to mention something and they’re straight out to see us at home.
“Our nurse Kath has been wonderful and given us a lot of emotional as well as practical support. Sometimes she phones us to say she’s in the area and asks if she can just pop over to see how we are.”
Mike Walsh, City Hospice’s chief executive, said: “We were delighted that Patricia and her husband were able to join us as guests of honour at the official opening of our fantastic new shop, and as we revealed our new name to the public.”