HUNDREDS of people from across Gwent descended on Bryn Bach Park on Saturday night to showtheir support for the Hospice of the Valleys.

The hospice held their inaugural Circle of Light event, which marked the hospice’s 21st anniversary and gave people the chance to remember those who had died.

The night began with a mileand- a-half-long memory walk around the lake, while live music was played from the visitor centre. At the centre an exhibition was held to explain the hospice’s work and its plans for the future, while volunteers manned the information and food stalls.

After the walk, friends and families of those who had been cared for by the hospice were each given a box lantern to light and float on the lake in memory of their loved ones.

David Parry, from Tredegar, went along to the event in memory of his wife, Sheila, who died in 2011. She was cared for by the hospice from 2009.

Mr Parry said: “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had anybody.

They were great, and it’s the staff who make it. This is their first event like this, and I’ve already told them they need to get T-shirts made for next year.”

Deborah Lloyd went to the event in memory of her father.

She said: “My father, Desmond Davies, died of a heart attack nearly two years ago. The hospice cared for my mam, so it meant a lot tomydad and he did a lot for them, which is why we are here tonight.”

Nathan Box attended the event in memory of his aunt, Lorraine Thomas, who died in April. He said: “The hospice cared for her really well, so the rest of my family are here too.

It’s been a really nice evening and it’s good to see so many people here showing their support.”

Little Chloe Green came along to the event with her mum, Kerry, and dad, Anthony. Mrs Green said: “Chloe’s grandfather passed away 11 years ago, and he was cared for by the Hospice of the Valleys, who were fabulous. So we brought Chloe along tonight and lit a lantern for him.”

Cristyn Jones, 20, has volunteered for the hospice for three years. She said: “My grandfather had cancer when I was little, and the hospice looked after him. So when I was older I thought I would give something back, as a thank-you for what they did for us.

“It’s really nice to see so many people up here supporting us. I didn’t think so many would turn up, so that’s really nice.

The lake looks so pretty with the lanterns floating on it too.”

The event finished with a fiveminute fireworks display over the lake, the first ever held at Bryn Bach Park.