A HOSPICE which has helped hundreds of Gwent people with life-threatening illnesses celebrated its tenth birthday yesterday.

Staff and invited guests yesterday marked the landmark anniversary of St Anne's Hospice in Newport with a party.

"We had no idea how things were going to unfold at the beginning but it has gone from strength to strength," said matron Sister Berenice.

"Our thanks to all the people who have helped us along the way. We have been encouraged by them and hope they will continue to support us."

Although based in Newport, the hospice has provided free, acute care for patients from all over Gwent.

Owned and managed by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy, it was built in the grounds of St Joseph's Hospital in Harding Avenue on the site of the former maternity wing.

Although the hospice receives some public funding, it relies heavily on hard-working fundraisers and the generosity of local people.

St Anne's Hospice Support Services is its fundraising arm, while independent charity The Friends of St Anne's Hospice has handed over more than £1m to support its work over the last ten years.

Argus readers, backed by the late Sir Julian Hodge, raised more than £250,000 for the hospice after we ran two appeals - one around eight years ago, and one in 2001.

The hospice, which has eight adult palliative care beds in relaxed and peaceful surroundings, succeeds in providing a high standard of care delivered by a multi-professional team, respecting individual and family needs.