With a little help from St David’s Hospice, a couple from Gyffin, Conwy celebrated their special day with family and friends.
Childhood sweethearts, John and Tricia Andrew had their first date at a 50/50 dance at the age of 15 and 50 years on they are now celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
Married in Ramsbottom Methodist Church, they moved to the area in the eighties, after a holiday to Llandudno. They both became members of Conwy Morris for many years.
Tricia, 71, originally from Bury, is currently a respite inpatient at St David’s Hospice. She was diagnosed with progressive bulbar palsy, Motor Neuron Disease in February 2012, which has led to the loss of mobility and speech.
John, father of three sons said: “Tricia attended the St David’s Hospice Day Care once a week, especially enjoying the arts and crafts. Unfortunately after a fall she then needed extra care, respite and assessment provided by the Inpatient Unit.
“The Hospice care has been wonderful for Tricia, the staff and volunteers are so thoughtful. It is such a kind and caring environment. The care extends to the family, they really have taken care of me too.
“For our anniversary, they put on a lovely spread of food and our friends and family came to celebrate with us.
“Many people have pre conceived ideas about Hospice care, but it really has been great. They think of everything and it’s the little things that make such a big difference. We are all so grateful for the Hospice and will always be “
St David’s Hospice is the only purpose built adult hospice in North West Wales with a 14-bed inpatient unit and a 10-place day centre. It provides respite and terminal care for adult patients suffering from a variety of end of life illnesses, together with support for relatives and carers.
The clinical costs of running St David’s Hospice is currently £1.9 million and the charity relies on the continuous support from the communities they serve in North West Wales. www.stdavidshospice.org.uk
