Festival boost for hospice awareness
THE popular Festival of Light in aid of Llanelli’s Ty Bryngwyn Hospice took place on Monday evening.
The service at Greenfield Chapel in Llanelli marked the first time since 2019 that the event has been held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 300-strong congregation was welcomed by the Salvation Army Band, who also accompanied members of the community singing.
There were also performances by Cor Meibion Llanelli, Cor Curiad and the pupils of Ysgol Bryngwyn.
Ty Bryngwyn Hospice Trust fundraisers said it was great to welcome supporters back on the night and it was a very reflective and moving occasion.
David Craddock, trustee and chairman of the Ty Bryngwyn
Hospice Fundraising Committee said: “We were delighted to welcome supporters to the Festival of Light Service as it is one of the most important events in our fundraising calendar.
“Because of the pandemic the last event was held in 2019, so it was gratifying to see over 300 people in the congregation.
“The aim of the Festival of Light is to raise awareness of Ty Bryngwyn Hospice and is role, and to raise funds for its continuing and valuable work.”
He added: “The trustees and fundraising committee would like to express their grateful thanks to the Minister and Deacons of Greenfield Chapel for their support, to all those who contributed to the event and attended the service.”
The Rev David Jones presided over the service along with the Rev Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain of Hywel Dda University Health Board and gave the welcome and prayers as well as conducting the congregation in the community hymn singing.
Readings were given by Bethan Owen, Cor Curiad Vice Chair and Cllr Louvain Roberts, Vice Chair of Carmarthenshire Council and Audrey Jenkins, trustee of Ty Bryngwyn Hospice Trust.
Towards the end of the service two members of Ty Bryngwyn Hospice staff, Claire Price, lead nurse specialist palliative care Carmarthenshire and Marlene Thomas specialist palliative care clinical service improvement nurse walked up the aisle of the chapel carrying lanterns while the choirs sang You’ll Never Walk Alone – there was not a dry eye in the house.
Finally the choirs and congregation joined together to sing the rousing hymn Cwm Rhondda and ended what had been a very emotional and reflective service.