For Sophie Day, Light up a Life is a chance to remember her dad John Willett, who was cared for by St Giles Hospice in Walsall.
John, a 6ft 2” gentle giant of a man, died in 2012 just a few years after he retired from his job as a Police Constable.
“Dad was a police constable his whole life, who loved walking the beat and being part of the local community in Walsall,” Sophie said.
“But not long after his retirement from the force, he was diagnosed with cancer and my mum Julia was struggling to look after him at home because he was such a big man and although she was used to caring for my nan, it was a very different level of care to that.
“We were put in touch with St Giles and we were amazed at the place. The staff were all so warm and welcoming – it takes a very special kind of person to do that job and they provided brilliant support to us. They made a difficult time much easier to deal with – they were there for us and Dad throughout and supported us all at the end and afterwards, explaining what would happen next.
“We are so grateful for the time he had at St Giles and I know Dad was too. We talk about him all the time and Light up a Life is a lovely way to remember him.”
