Three fundraising groups, including one from Penarth, who have amassed 40 years of volunteering for a leading end of life charity between them, celebrated the milestones with a tea party at the Senedd.

Marie Curie volunteers from Penarth and District, Cardiff and Cowbridge volunteer fundraising groups were hosted by Jane Hutt MS and Vaughan Gething MS in the iconic building's Oriel, where they enjoyed tea, coffee and Welsh cakes and shared their experiences of supporting the charity. They were also given a tour of the building.

The Penarth group was established in 2003, and are marking 20 years, while Cardiff and Cowbridge fundraising groups have both recently celebrated a decade.  Since 2012, the three groups have raised almost £675,000 between them.

Marie Curie Head of Fundraising in Wales, Sara Bass, said: "Fundraising over the last 3 years has been particularly challenging with many activities and events grinding to a halt in March 2020.

"However, our incredible fundraising groups, volunteers and supporters responded as always with tenacity, kindness, creativity, and generosity - consistently going above and beyond to support us.  

"To be able to celebrate these three groups in such a special way is wonderful, and we are so grateful to each of the members for the time they've given to support our cause."

The groups marked the milestones just weeks ahead of the charity marking its 75th year, on July 6. 

Over the past 75 years, Marie Curie has been there for millions of people affected by terminal illness, and today our support is needed more than ever. 

Last year, the charity provided direct care to more than 46,000 people across the UK via its nine hospices including at the Cardiff and the Vale Hospice in Penarth and through nursing care in people's own homes.

The charity also provides an Information and Support line, which provides a listening ear to anyone dealing with any aspect of death, dying and bereavement. 

Jane Hutt said: "Taking the time to celebrate our local volunteers ahead of Marie Curie's 75th year has been a delight. To have given their time, collectively, over 40 years, shows amazing dedication to such an important cause, and I have to congratulate them for their amazing efforts."

Vaughan Gething said: "I know how vital the work of Marie Curie is to people dealing with terminal illness across Wales, but especially in our own constituencies, and to hear about the passion these volunteers have to raise money for the charity is awe inspiring. I must thank them all for their tenacity and creativity through the pandemic, and their continued volunteering to support those in need in our community."

Penarth & District Fundraising Group Treasurer, Nerys Thomas, said: "Twenty years of fundraising as a group has been full of so many varied activities and to be able to celebrate together was wonderful."

Cowbridge Fundraising Group Chair, Martyn Hurst, said: "We were delighted to be able to celebrate our 10 years of fundraising with Jane Hutt, and our fellow volunteers. We're so proud to give our time to Marie Curie and support people at end of life."

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer with one of the fundraising groups, and helping us provide another 75 years of expert end of life care, contact your community fundraiser Annamarie Jones on [email protected] or call 07753 271543. Other volunteering opportunities are available to see on www.mariecurie.org.uk/volunteering