South Wales Central MS, Joel James has been asked what would matter most to him at end of life, as he met Marie Curie staff at the Senedd, who spoke about the importance of good palliative and end of life care, and access to it for all.
Joel joined forces with the Marie Curie Cymru Policy team, Lowri Griffiths and Bethan Edwards at a stand at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 3rd November, to highlight the leading end of life charity’s work.
Marie Curie Cymru provides care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in their hospice and people’s homes. The charity also offers a free Information and Support line, which includes bereavement support. It is the largest charitable funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK also campaigns for better end of life care for all.
As well lending his support, Joel is also encouraging people across South Wales Central to start preparing for the National Day of Reflection 2022 by planting spring bulbs and seeds this autumn. The flowers will bloom in time for the day on 23 March 2022 in a sign of hope for a brighter future.
The National Day of Reflection is a day to support the millions of people who’ve been bereaved during the pandemic, and to reflect on the lives of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues who have died from Covid or other causes. The day is a time to pause, reflect and support each other whether of any belief or none.
Joel said: “Talking about our end of life care wishes with our loved ones is so important to ensure they know how to best support us at our most vulnerable time, and I would encourage everyone to have that conversation as soon as they can. I also hope people across South Wales Central, no matter the size of their out-door space, and even inside, will plant a Spring Bulb for the National Day of Reflection and support Marie Curie."
“It’s been a difficult time, with many devastated by the death of a loved one and planting these bulbs and seeing the first shoots awaken can restore our hope for better times to come.”
Lowri Griffiths, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Wales, for Marie Curie, added: “To have the support of Joel makes a huge difference to Marie Curie. With his help we are able to raise awareness about what we do and reach more people who need us and encourage more conversations around end of life care, which are needed now more than ever."
“For many, the deep trauma of losing loved ones during Covid is still very real. The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022 will be an opportunity to come together to support the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic and remember the people we’ve lost.”
For further information and to pledge to take part in the National Day of Reflection 2022 visit mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection
