BOUQUET OF THE WEEK ‘Amazing lady who works tirelessly’
A WOMAN who volunteers her time to help support people in bereavement is the recipient of this week’s Bouquet of the Week.
Brenda Chamberlain, of Llanishen, has been involved with Cruse Bereavement Care Cardiff and the Vale for the past seven years alongside a number of other charitable organisations.
The 70-year-old retired occupational therapist was nominated for the bouquet by Rhiwbina councillor Jayne Cowan.
Cllr Cowan said: “Brenda is an amazing lady who works tirelessly for so many charities and good causes.
“I’ve recently started working with her on an event for Cruse Bereavement Care. She gives her time so freely and really deserves the bouquet.”
Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity that supports bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The organisation offers support, advice and information to those experiencing bereavement.
“People make a referral,” Brenda explained. “They call the helpline, details are taken and then they are invited to an information evening which helps people in the initial stages to understand the grief process.
“Following the information evening clients are then supported by trained bereavement volunteers.”
Brenda and the other volunteers have been working to organise a Footsteps Memory Walk to take place in early December.
Alongside this work, Brenda also volunteers her time with various animal welfare charities and a support group for patients who have undergone an ileostomy procedure.
Touched to have received the nomination, Brenda said: “I think it’s a tribute to the volunteers who give their time so freely and the leadership team that we now have.
“I think we also need to acknowledge Jayne Cowan as she is the person who is driving forward these ideas.”
If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to: echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk
You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominations must agree to be photographed. Bouquet of the week winner Brenda Chamberlain.