Abigail’s story

Abigail Gilbert and her daughter, Taylor, will be remembering two very special people this year through St Giles Hospice’s Light up a Life: Abigail’s mum, Sandra Mason, and her dad, Steve.

Sandra sadly died earlier this year after living with cancer, while Steve died just a year and a day before her.

Abigail said: “They were both magnificent parents and grandparents. Remembering them and continuing to make memories in their honour is so important to us.”

When Sandra needed specialist care, St Giles Hospice was the first place Abigail thought of.

She said: “The care we received was simply faultless. Every single member of staff, from the healthcare assistants to the consultants, treated Mum with dignity and compassion, while caring for all of us as a family too.”

Among the family’s most treasured memories is a special evening made possible by the hospice’s Overnight Stay Suite.

Taylor’s wish was to have a takeaway with her Nanny while watching Britain’s Got Talent. The St Giles team helped Sandra come down the corrdidor in her bed so the whole family could spend the evening together.

Abigail said: “It’s a memory we’ll treasure forever.”

Now, the family are inviting others to make a dedication through Light up a Life in memory of someone special.

By making a donation alongside a dedication, supporters can celebrate the life of a loved one while helping St Giles Hospice continue providing care and support for local people living with a terminal illness and their families.

Abigail and Taylor will be attending one of this year’s Light up a Life remembrance services together.

Abigail said: “It feels like the perfect way to remember Mum and Dad during the festive season, surrounded by other families who have experienced something similar to us. We will always be grateful for the kindness shown to her, and all of us.”