This Hospice Care Week, the daughter of a patient who was cared for at St Giles Hospice in the final months of his life is inviting people to make a special dedication in memory of their loved ones as part of the charity’s Light up a Life campaign.
Each year families come together for the remembrance events, arranged across the region by St Giles Hospice, which offer them the chance to remember family, friends and colleagues at this special time of the year.
2023 marks the first year that Michelle Berry takes part in Light up a Life, after her father, David, died at St Giles Hospice earlier this year. David was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of 2022 and, in February 2023, he was cared for by St Giles until he died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, in April 2023.
Michelle said: “The care Dad received from everyone at the hospice was just phenomenal. The team went above and beyond for our family and supported my dad to be able to attend my wedding day, just weeks before he died.”
People take part in Light up a Life by dedicating a light in memory of their loved one on the Light up a Life tree, writing a message for the Book of Memories and joining St Giles at one of their special services.
Michelle continued: “I could never repay the debt of gratitude I owe to St Giles – and that’s why I’ll always support Light up a Life.
“It’s a wonderful way to raise vital funds, whilst remembering the special person that you’ve lost.”
Sam Storey, Regional and Legacy Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “Our Light up a Life services give families like Michelle’s the opportunity to come together to celebrate the lives of their loved ones, whilst supporting the work of the hospice.
“We’re delighted that Light up a Life means so much to people in our local community.”
In 2023, St Giles Light up a Life services will be held at St Giles Hospice in Whittington, St Modwen’s Church in Burton-on-Trent, St Luke’s Church in Cannock St Editha’s in Tamworth and Lichfield Cathedral. St Giles will also be continuing with their virtual service this year for those unable to attend the in-person services.
Everyone who dedicates a light will receive a special keepsake Light up a Life card to display at Christmas time, featuring their dedication along with a bookmark featuring a poignant poem of remembrance.
The name of loved ones and personal messages will be included in the Book of Memories, which will be available to view online and at all of the Light up a Life services.
Dedications can be made online at www.stgileshospice.com/lightupalife before Friday 10th November. Any dedications made after this date will still appear on the virtual tree, but not in the Book of Memories.
For further information about Light up a Life, please email fundraising@stgileshospice.com