On a beautiful spring day I took the opportunity to walk to today’s mission. The birds were singing and the Taff Trail was full of cyclists, runners and walkers.

I was the only one signed up today but didn’t let that dampen my enthusiasm! I was greeted warmly by the Marie Curie fundraising team who had a tabard, a giant yellow hat and a box of daffodils ready for me. I hit the streets of Cardiff in the hope that people would be feeling generous on the approach to St David’s Day. I sold a fair few daffodils and returned a half full tin to the team after my two hour shift. Marie Curie’s fundraising is significantly down due to the pandemic so any donations are gratefully received.

A beautiful Friday evening was an ideal time for our first ever mission to the Marie Curie hospice in Penarth. We'd been approached by the facilities team looking for help to paint some benches in the sensory garden. The garden is an ideal place for patients, families and staff to spend some time in peace.

Fresh from a coastal wander along the cliffs of Penarth, Fiona and I arrived at the hospice to find Andrew waiting outside, having made the journey from Cardiff Bay at super quick speed (despite the hills!). We reported to reception and went through a few safety procedures, including a temperature check. Despite our pre mission exercise, we all passed with flying colours and were good to go.

We were shown to the sensory garden and began our task by sanding down the benches ready for the paint. After putting down some protective sheets to avoid the drips, we methodically began painting. The benches quickly went from dark brown to green (seamoss to be precise). We chatted along the way about all manner of things, including our camping experiences, tents and marathons / half marathons.

We managed to complete a second bench before calling it a day. This was a really lovely task to end the week and hopefully the first of many missions to Marie Curie.