To Ruth & Steve…..with Love.

Last Saturday was more than just Valentine’s Day — it was an opportunity for the Hospice to show our love, appreciation, and thanks to two Welsh comedy icons: the wonderful Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs.

Alongside Grant Usmar, CEO of Hospice of the Valleys, Eirlys Edwards, CEO of the Sir Gareth Edwards Charity, Gareth and Maureen Edwards, and Carl Morgan from Beefy’s Comedy Club, I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth and Steve in Cardiff.

A few months ago, Steve — our Hospice Celebrity Ambassador — contacted me to say that he and Ruth wanted to organise a charity event to support both charities. Ruth is an Ambassador for the Sir Gareth Edwards Charity, and the idea began when she found a few boxes of Stella DVDs in her garage. From that simple discovery came the concept for An Audience with the Cast of Stella, held in Cardiff last November — a night that celebrated the heart, humour, and warmth of the much‑loved Welsh valleys comedy drama.
The event was a tremendous success, raising an incredible £42,452.93. It’s remarkable to think that a few boxes of DVDs sparked something that made such a difference. The total has been shared between both charities, and meeting Ruth and Steve again on Saturday to thank them — and to share the impact their support will have — is something I will always treasure.

Events like this highlight the extraordinary impact that can happen when two talented people use their platforms to do good. The £21,226.47 received by the Hospice is far more than a number — it represents comfort, care, and support for our patients and their loved ones at the moments they need it most.
Thank you, Ruth and Steve, for the laughter, the memories, and above all, the compassion behind it all.

Julie Williams
Business & Community Fundraising Manager