Dear Editor,

The 1st of March is fast approaching - when all of Wales and Welsh people all over the World celebrate St David’s Day. It was also St David who made the leek the national symbol of Wales.

But how many people are aware that St David was a vegetarian?

Historic tales indicate that he was a vegetarian who ate only bread, herbs and vegetables and who drank only water. For this reason, he has also become known as the patron saint of vegetarians and vegans.

This makes the 1st March the ideal date to celebrate the growing numbers of vegetarians and vegans throughout Wales. This increase is across all age groups with more than 40% of people over the age of 65 reducing the amount of meat they eat (Vegetarian Society NatCen 2015 study).

Vegetarian for Life is a charity that supports this growing number of older vegetarians and vegans and those who cater for them. Our support may be in the form of recipe guides, nutrition advice or through offering grants to relieve hardship.

So as we get ready to celebrate St David’s day, I would like to encourage any older vegetarians and vegans in Wales who are in need of support to contact us.

For full details, visit www.vegetarianforlife.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 0161 257 0887.

Yours sincerely,

Amnada Woodvine

Vegetarian for Life Director