Blaenau Ffestiniog Plaid Cymru Councillor for Bowydd and Rhiw, Annwen Daniels (pictured, left, with town councillor Gwenlli Evans) is calling for end of life beds in her community.
Presenting a cheque of £5350 on behalf of Y Goeden Goffa’s memorial tree to Blaenau Ffestiniog's home care service recently, Annwen, who is also Chair of Y Goeden Goffa in Blaenau, says the pandemic has exacerbated the problem in her area.
“Thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses, Y Goeden Goffa has successfully raised over £5000 during the past two years. This last year has seen our fundraising work cease. We usually have our collection buckets out and forms in the shops for people to fill out - but this year, nothing!
“Covid-19 has clearly demonstrated that the need for end of life care here in the area is more important than ever. You can't expect older people to travel to Llandudno or Ysbyty Alltwen to visit their loved ones who are weakening, with bus services decreasing and travel costs increasing.
"We need a dedicated site here in Blaenau, with quality beds and care for people as they reach the end of their lives."
With St David's Hospice in Llandudno doing heroic work, the service, which is nearly an hour away, is too far for the people of Blaenau and their families to easily access the care at the hospice itself.
“At the end of your life, people need care, medical intervention, kindness and respect. They get that in their homes, thanks to the amazing nurses who care for people at their homes. But for many, more support is needed, with 24-hour cover for patients and their families, as the pressure increases.
(pictured above: Blaenau Ffestiniog town centre - Y Sgwar)
One way Blaenau Ffestiniog’s community mark their respect and place to memory their loved ones is by lighting the Goeden Goffa memorial tree annually on the town square in late November. Local people donate money in remembrance of their loved ones or mark a special occasion in their company, whilst their names are placed in a commemorative book attached to the special tree.
Although a virtual ceremony was held last year, the committee hopes this year to hold a real ceremony at Y Sgwâr in the town again.
“I’m calling for fair play and respect for our local residents. And after a lifetime of hard work, the very least we can offer our loved ones is the respect and reassurance that they have a hospice bed here in their own locality, should they need one.”
If anyone is interested in contributing to The Memorial Tree, please contact
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