Key landmarks across the capital were bathed in purple light last night (1 October) as City Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal returned.
The charity’s Light up a Life appeal runs from the beginning of October until 31 December, providing the community with opportunities to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones in the lead up to and during the festive season.
Mermaid Quay and Roath Lake were illuminated purple in support of the appeal. Over the next three months, supporters will be able to remember loved ones with a virtual star in the sky and a remembrance service at Llandaff Cathedral, and join in with a number of activities and events such as a festive concert, the Big Christmas Wrap, Jolly Jumpers and Rudolph Runs.
Jennifer Phillips and Alison Boxhall will be remembering their dad Alan, and other family members cared for by City Hospice, as they support the charity’s Light up a Life appeal this year.
City Hospice provided Alan with specialist palliative care following his mesothelioma and dementia diagnoses, as well as opportunities to enjoy day hospice activities like the Sports Bar, before he passed away aged 91 and three quarters in late 2025.
Alison said: “City Hospice supported us really quickly following Dad’s diagnosis. He loved the nurses – Faye, Sarah and Jenna – who provided great care at home and at the hospice. They were a brilliant support and always responsive to his needs and our queries.
Jennifer said: “We felt that City Hospice truly looked after the whole family, not just Dad. We really like how the hospice supports and focuses on quality of life. With their support we could still go on holidays and little trips away. They allowed us all to embrace and live life with no regrets.”
Light up a Life supports the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff. The charity provides care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.
Dr Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice, said: “To see major landmarks and locations in our city illuminated in memory of and in celebration of the lives of loved ones is a special start to our appeal. We hope that Light up a Life brings comfort and light to our community during the festive season.”
Each donation made during the appeal period will shine twice as bright thanks to generous match funding from The Hodge Foundation.
Karen Hodge, a trustee of the Hodge Foundation, said: “It is our utmost pleasure to support City Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal again this year. Through our match funding, donations will be doubled to help City Hospice continue to deliver their vital care and services to patients and their families across Cardiff.”