THE team behind the Circuit of Wales has announced Blaenau Gwent’s Hospice of the Valleys has been chosen as its lead charity partner.

The hospice, which is based in Tredegar, is made up of a specialist palliative care team who have been serving the people of Blaenau Gwent for more than 20 years.

They provide hospice care 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to patients and their families.

Chosen by Heads of the Valleys Development Company, the team behind the Circuit of Wales, the hospice will now benefit from assistance with running costs for the clinical service as well as its £3 million building programme to create a new hospice centre in Ebbw Vale.

Once the circuit is operational there will be a number of fund-raising events taking place in aid of the hospice.

Caring for over 500 patients a year, the hospice team includes a palliative medicine consultant, specialist palliative care nurses, specialist social workers, a specialist physiotherapist, welfare rights officers, complementary therapists and a chaplain.

Andrew Richards, chief executive officer for Hospice of the Valleys said: “Words cannot express how grateful we are to Circuit of Wales for choosing us as their lead charity. We care for patients and their families within the heart of the Valleys during very difficult times in their lives, but many people are still unaware that the services we offer are free.

“Hopefully, with the help of Circuit of Wales we can reach more people within the community and help them to live as actively as possible after diagnosis to the end of their lives, however long that may be. We place the highest value on respect, choice and quality of life.”

Jonathan Jones, head of training and recruitment for Circuit of Wales said: “Hospice of the Valleys cares for over 500 local people a year and makes a hugely positive contribution to the community that should be commended. We are delighted to be able to assist them in their crucial work and look forward to a long and positive relationship that will help them grow within the community to reach more people and their families.”

For more on the Hospice of the Valleys, call 01495 717277 or email enquiries@hospiceofthevalleys.com