While many are unwrapping presents and sharing festive meals, a dedicated grandmother from South Wales spends her Christmas Day providing a vital listening ear to those facing their darkest hours. Joanne Lewis, 57, volunteers for the Marie Curie support line, a service she says is needed now more than ever.
A Decade of Compassion on the Line
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Marie Curie's free support line, which offers information and emotional support to people dealing with terminal illness, dying, and bereavement. The service operates seven days a week and is funded entirely by donations.
Joanne, who has been with the charity for four years, started as temporary maternity cover but was offered a permanent role due to her passion. She reports that demand has surged. "The demand for the services and our calls on Christmas Day and Boxing Day rose last year to the highest level we’ve seen since the service began," she revealed.
Personal Experience Informs Profound Empathy
Joanne's commitment is deeply personal. After a long nursing career, she retired following the tragic death of her first husband in his 40s. This personal experience with bereavement, combined with her professional background, makes her uniquely placed to offer support.
"We're very aware that, for some, Christmas is not an easy time," Joanne explained. "It can evoke a lot of powerful emotions for loved ones who are either caring for people on what could be their last Christmas, or they're missing a loved one." She emphasises that the calls help people manage waves of emotion and unexpected triggers that the season can bring.
The Call That Captures Their Mission
One poignant call that stayed with Joanne was from someone whose mother was dying. Knowing it would be her last Christmas, the caller was struggling with complex emotions. Joanne spoke with them at length, discussing coping strategies and planning for the inevitable.
The caller remained in contact over the festive period and, after their mother's death, accessed Marie Curie's bereavement support service. They later got back in touch to thank the team for their crucial help. This impact is what fuels Joanne's sacrifice.
On Christmas Day, she will join two colleagues to man the phones between 10am and 2pm. "We understand that sometimes emotional support can be just as important as the practical support," she said. "We are a small, friendly team, we can offer a safe place to talk." She reassures potential callers that the team is comfortable with tears and emotions.
Marie Curie provides round-the-clock care in homes and hospices across the UK throughout Christmas. Their free support line (0800 090 2309) and webchat are open over the festive period for anyone with a terminal illness and those close to them.
