City Hospice has launched a monthly Sports Bar, reshaping the perception of hospice care by bringing together sport, conversation and community in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Held on the first Monday of every month, the Sports Bar events form part of the charity’s expanding living well programme of activities, supporting patients, their families and bereaved individuals from across Cardiff.
The initiative was inspired by former City Hospice patient Trevor, whose love of sport led to the creation of a dedicated space at the day hospice in Whitchurch where, in the final months of his life, he could set aside the reality of his illness and enjoy talking about the games and athletes he loved. Today, the Sports Bar continues that legacy by providing an informal hour and a half of sports clips, guests and conversation over non-alcoholic refreshments.
Described as a ‘level playing field’, the sessions bring together patients and sporting heroes, united by a shared passion for sport. Previous sporting guests have included Nigel Walker, Nicky Piper, David Giles, Matthew Maynard, Craig Quinnell, Shane Williams, Colin Jackson and Jamie Baulch with further high-profile guests planned to attend throughout the year.
Rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards and his wife Maureen joined patients at the event held on 6 July.
Sir Gareth Edwards CBE said: “I was honoured to be invited to take part in City Hospice’s Sports Bar event, reminiscing with fellow sports lovers about my rugby career from my schooldays to playing with the national team and Barbarians. The questions, stories and laughter shared between us all made for a very enjoyable afternoon.
“It’s fantastic that an initiative like this exists, bringing patients and carers together to bond over their passion for sport. It turns what we traditionally perceive hospice care to be on its head.”
A regular participant of the event said: “The first Monday of the month is one of my favourites. I’ve been coming to the Sports Bar since April and I love it! Sir Gareth was brilliant and it was amazing to spend time alongside a rugby legend. For me though, it’s more than that – it’s time to think about something other than my illness, and that’s priceless. I didn’t know City Hospice did stuff like this, but I’m glad they do.”
The Sports Bar is part of a wider programme of activities run by the hospice’s Day Hospice and Wellbeing Services team, which also includes carers’ cafés, bereavement walking groups, craft sessions and digital skills workshops. These initiatives are designed to promote emotional wellbeing and provide meaningful opportunities for connection during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Deborah Ho, Head of Day Hospice and Wellbeing Services at City Hospice, said: “Initiatives like the Sports Bar truly prove that hospice care is more than what people think or expect. It’s an uplifting space where sport, conversation and shared interests can simply be enjoyed together.
“The creation of the Sports Bar and our wider living well programme of day hospice and wellbeing activities have been patient-led. We listened intently to our patients to create these events and special moments that they can look forward to each month which offer them control, choice and independence and fulfil their desire to connect with others, learn new things, and make the most of living while acknowledging their future.
“We are extremely grateful to the sporting stars who have generously volunteered their time so far.”
Sports professionals wishing to take part in future Sports Bar events are encouraged to contact City Hospice for further information.
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