A Penarth hospice celebrated its 65th anniversary with guests including its ambassador last week.

The Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, first opened its doors in 1959 and has since cared for almost 65,000 people with terminal illnesses.

The hospice, located on Bridgeman Road, marked the milestone with a celebration attended by staff, volunteers, and hospice ambassador, actress Suzanne Packer.

The hospice provides care to patients through its 20 inpatient beds, Wellbeing and Support Hub, Hospice Care at Home community nursing service, and specialist palliative care nursing team in the Vale.

Marie Curie, the UK's leading end-of-life charity, supports individuals with illnesses they are likely to die from, including Alzheimer's, heart, liver, kidney, and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and advanced cancer.

Marie Curie associate director for strategic partnerships and service delivery, Rachel Jones, said: "We are so grateful to all the staff and volunteers who have made it possible for us to continue caring for people in the local community living with an illness they are likely to die from, and their families, over the last 65 years.

"Since our 60th celebrations in 2019, our teams have tackled working through the pandemic, supporting families and their loved ones during an even more difficult time than usual.

"Marie Curie believes everyone should have expert care and support at the end of life, free from unnecessary pain, and have the dignity and respect they deserve, whatever their illness.

"It's thanks to amazing donations and supporters that Marie Curie can continue to provide the best possible care for anyone living with a terminal illness in our hospice, at home or over the phone.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 65 years has in store for us."

Ms Packer, who unveiled the hospice café in April 2019, added: "It’s always a pleasure to visit the hospice and chat to the staff about the work they do and the importance of it to those they care for, and their families and loved ones.

"Sharing the 65th celebration with the team – complete with a perfect cuppa – was a pleasure, and I’m delighted to be able to support such a wonderful charity."

The hospice has undergone several renovations and improvements in the past decade, including the refurbishment of the Wellbeing and Support Hub in 2016 and the installation of a spa bathroom on both inpatient units.

The Wellbeing and Support Hub is a safe space where the wellbeing of patients with a terminal illness, or their loved ones, can be supported to ease loneliness and isolation.

In February 2020, the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale team welcomed the then Prince Charles on a visit as patron of the charity.