As part of a memorable ceremony, a time capsule crafted by Coleg Cambria was sealed into the walls of the new Inpatient Unit, which is currently under construction at Nightingale House Hospice.

Wrexham Mayor, Andy Williams, and 10-year-old George Popple, whose father received care at the hospice, played significant roles in sealing the capsule inside the wall.

The Leader: Event attendees for the time capsule eventEvent attendees for the time capsule event (Image: Rachelle McLachlan)The event was attended by Nightingale House staff, trustees, Read Construction, TACP, DTCC and community representatives.

Eluned Griffiths, chair of trustees, highlighted the significance, and said: “Palliative care and hospices, especially Nightingale House, never stay still… but the completion of the new Inpatient Unit is an important milestone.The Leader: Mayor Andy Williams with George Popple taking the time capsule to the wallMayor Andy Williams with George Popple taking the time capsule to the wall (Image: Rachelle McLachlan)"This is the final stage of a £5 million investment over the past five years to ensure that patients and their families receive high-quality care in the very best surroundings.

"It will set the hospice up for future generations including staff, volunteers, and most importantly patients, and their families.”

Inside the time capsule were messages of love, support and remembrance from the community, staff, volunteer and trustee photos, poems written by patients in the Wellbeing Programme, newspapers, a Caffi Cwtch menu, and TACP's architectural drawings of the new inpatient unit, amongst other things including a pair of bunny ears from Nightingale House’s famous Midnight Walk.

The Leader: Time capsule plaqueTime capsule plaque (Image: Rachelle McLauchan)Mayor Andy Williams discussed how his perception of hospices has changed over the years since working with Nightingale House.

He said: “My first function as Deputy Mayor back in 2018 was to come to Nightingale House. I was scared. But I walked through the doors and was blown away. It was nothing like what I had imagined a hospice would be.

"I had just started with a therapy dog called Buddi. Since then, Nightingale House has become a big part of my life, from bringing Buddi in to see patients to having the hospice as one of my nominated charities.

"It is a massive honour for me to help George put the time capsule in the wall… because this place does mean so much to me.”

Sealing the time capsule behind a wall, George tightened the final screw, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. This moment held special significance for George and his family, as his father, Davydd Popple, received care at the hospice before he passed away in 2019.

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Clare Popple, George’s mum, said: “The hospice was amazing! They arranged a sports day for the children to participate in on the grounds, as Dav wasn’t able to attend the school sports day.

"We had a sleepover and movie night at the hospice. Dav and the children also enjoyed a hydrotherapy session in the pool. Ruby and George attended music therapy sessions, too. After Dav had passed away, the Family Support Team took us on a trip with other bereaved families to Blackpool.”

The new facilities will enable Nightingale House to continue to provide high-level care to people in the community living with life-limiting illnesses across Wrexham, Flintshire and East Denbighshire to Barmouth and the border towns, including Oswestry and Whitchurch, for years to come.

Construction of the new inpatient unit is expected to conclude by the December 8, 2023.