A song written in collaboration with people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones has been performed at Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, following a six-week songwriting and poetry project.
The Sun Will Rise Again was written by people with personal experience of terminal illness, who came together to share their experiences, write poetry and create lyrics for a new song.
The song received its debut performance this week at the hospice in Penarth and was performed by a choir formed of professional singers, patients, families and members of Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir.
Led by Joe Cavalli-Price, founder and CEO of Music in Hospices CIC, the six-week project ran at the hospice’s Wellbeing and Support Hub, which regularly provides therapy and companionship to outpatients and those close to them from the surrounding community. Through the sessions, people explored poetry, songwriting and music, drawing on their own experiences of illness, loss, love and hope.
Alongside the group sessions, Joe also spent time on the hospice’s inpatient ward, performing for patients, staff and family members.
Watch: The Sun Will Rise Again Music in Hospices x Marie Curie Watch: The Sun Will Rise Again Music in Hospices x Marie Curie
A video about the Songwriting and Poetry project at the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale with Music in Hospices
Joe, who founded Music in Hospices CIC in 2024, then aged 27 years, after his own mother received hospice care, said: “The Sun Will Rise Again’ is a testament to the fact that, regardless of a diagnosis of a terminal illness, our relationship with the creative arts and our capacity to create, doesn’t — and should never — cease to be.
“This song, created by people experiencing one of life’s most challenging moments is a reminder to us all that even in the darkest days, each new day brings with it hope, new opportunity and the support of a loving community.
“I hope that their beautiful words, in both song and poetry, encourage us to reflect on the importance of sitting together, sharing our experiences and being grateful for the gift of each new day.”
Ray and Pat Mellor attended the sessions, having both had a keen interest in music throughout their lives. Ray, who has a dementia diagnosis, is cared for by Pat who he met later in life, after they both dealt with the grief following the death of their late spouses.
Speaking of the poem she wrote – Love’s Second Dawn – Pat said: “The poem is about hope, and also tragedy – but how you can be marching through life, and out of the blue comes a new dawn again. Hope to lead you to the end of life.
“This group has been a tonic to both myself and Ray, being able to work on these words together and sing together today has been a wonderful experience.”
Emma Grant, Marie Curie Inpatient Unit Manager, said: “The impact the music sessions have had on patients has been phenomenal. Joe’s presence and his musical talent has really brought something wonderful to the hospice, and I know many people have been able to create beautiful new memories.
“As the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie strives to go above and beyond to offer services like this, helping people create those lasting memories that are so important to them and their loved ones.”
The Wellbeing and Support Hub at the Bridgeman Road hospice offers practical support such as a regular Citizens’ Advice clinic, through support groups where people can talk through their feelings and problems to exercise classes, creative groups and complementary therapies.
Marie Curie provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience and also provides an Information and Support Service.
To find out more about support available at the Wellbeing and Support Hub, please contact wellbeingandspporthub@mariecurie.org.uk or phone 02920426000.
If you are living with terminal illness or have been affected by death, dying or bereavement you can access support at mariecurie.org.uk or by calling the free support line at 0800 090 2309.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
For further information please contact Rachel Moses-Lloyd, Regional PR lead, Rachel.moses-lloyd@mariecurie.org.uk, 07730617843
Or contact the Marie Curie Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
Please note, Marie Curie is not a cancer charity but the UK’s leading ‘end of life charity’. We care for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end.
If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.
About Music in Hospices CIC
Music in Hospices CIC is a creative arts organisation transforming how we understand and experience palliative care.
Recognised as a Deutsche Bank Top 20 Social Enterprise in 2024 and 2025, its work has featured across BBC Radio 4, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio Wales, The Lancet and The British Medical Journal, reaching millions of people.
The organisation works with hospices, creatives, researchers and community partners to co-design creative arts projects for people affected by life-limiting illness.
From live music interventions, developed by world class musicians, the UK’s first children’s book on hospice care ‘Little Elephant Visits the Hospice’ to impactful storytelling, short films and photojournalism projects: Music in Hospices empowers the palliative care community, whilst helping broaden public understanding of hospice care.
Contact Info
Joe Cavalli -Price (Founder & CEO, Music in Hospices CIC)
@MusicinHospices