Supporting St David’s Hospice Care

2269. James Thompson

James, who now chairs the charity, has volunteered with ‘St David’s Hospice Care’ for over 22 years, with roles also including vice-chair, a trustee and working in the inpatient cafe every week. With a background in health and social care, James leads the charity to ensure the highest quality of care for their patients across South East Wales. James has undertaken multiple fundraising challenges including marathons, trekking across the Rift Valley in Kenya, climbing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and walking across Icelandic glaciers, raising over £50,000 to support the hospice. James’ fundraising efforts also include organising coffee mornings as part of the ‘Big Welsh Brew’ and hospice ‘Jolly Jumper Days’. 

Alongside his work with ‘St David’s Hospice Care’, James is president of the ‘Newport and Usk Vale Lions’ charity, is a member of the organising committee for the ‘Welsh Hospitals Choir’, and regularly volunteers his time to support local fundraising events such as the ‘Monmouth Raft Race’. 

In a personal letter to Steve, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 

“For over twenty years, you have tirelessly supported St David‘s Hospice Care, channelling your experience and expertise to help it grow into one of the country’s largest providers of hospice at home care.

“You have completed multiple fundraising challenges for the hospice, from running the London Marathon, to trekking across the Rift Valley in Kenya, climbing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and walking across glaciers in Iceland, raising over £50,000.

“Furthermore, you have done all this while also serving as president of the Newport and Usk Vale Lions, providing grants for local charities which make a huge difference to vulnerable members of your community.”

Congratulating James on his award, the Secretary of State for Wales, and James’s local MP for Monmouth, the Rt Hon David TC Davies, said:

“I was delighted to present James with his well-deserved Points of Light Award. He has given a huge amount of time over many years to support ‘St David’s Hospice Care’ and fundraise for them. His efforts have helped ensure that thousands of people have been cared for in their homes, according to their wishes. He is a valuable contributor to the community in Monmouthshire and it’s fantastic to be able to say thank you to him.”

James said:

“This award is a great honour and I am privileged to receive it.  My focus in volunteering is to serve others, and support those less fortunate than ourselves, whether in a health or social context.

“I am grateful for the recognition I have received.  Diolch yn fawr iawn.”

Find out more about ‘St David’s Hospice Care’