St David's Hospice Care has celebrated its 35th birthday providing care for people with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses in Gwent.

The charity has grown from 67 referrals in 1982/3 to 2,171 referrals in 2012/13, and from caring for 78 patients in 1982/3 to 3,262 in 2012/13.

Over the past year they have provided 61,761 hours of care.

Graham Price, a Bassaleg man who has survived cancer five times, says the organisation were a great help during his illness. He thanked the charity for providing aromatherapy free of charge to him and his wife, who is a breast cancer survivor.

The hospice cares for people within Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and certain areas of South and Mid Powys. It took over the management of St Anne’s Hospice this year which means that patients can, if necessary, receive care in the in-patient hospice in Newport.

A spokesman for the hospice said on Facebook: “We are indebted to the local community for their on-going support and we are sincerely grateful for any financial contributions towards the work of our charity.

“In addition to the four teams of Clinical Nurse Specialists, we have a Hospice at Home team of nurses and healthcare assistants who provide hands-on care for our patients. St David's Hospice Care also has a Family Support Team comprising social workers, welfare rights advisers, bereavement support, children's support worker (Unicorn) and complementary therapists.

“At any one time we are caring for over 1,100 patients, and during the year cared for a total of 3,262 patients and their families/carers.

“Over 90% of patients who received Hospice at Home Care were able to die at home, or usual place of residence (UK average is 25%).

“Last year 127 families were referred to Unicorn, which enables children to receive additional support at what is probably one of the most difficult times of their lives. We are aware that it is vitally important for children to receive appropriate bereavement support. This service is therefore not restricted to children of our patients, but referrals can also be made for children who may have experienced the sudden death of a close relative.”

David Bashford commented on Facebook: “35 years of awesome care - thank you Welsh angels.”