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Hundreds celebrate and remember loved ones at Light up a Life
05 December 2011
Families and individuals have come together to remember loved ones at our annual Light up a Life services.
Around 1,500 people have attended Light up a Life services, which give people the opportunity to celebrate, reflect and remember those dear to them. The services were led by the Hospice chaplaincy team and included carols, readings of the Christmas story and patient’s relatives and staff sharing their experiences of Saint Francis Hospice.
Among those who attended the service at St Thomas’ Church were Deputy Mayor of Brentwood Cllr Ann Coe and former Hospice Chairman Audrey Cowie, who shared her experience as her husband Dunlop, received care as an inpatient before he sadly died in March 2010.
Audrey said: “When he arrived at the Hospice from hospital he was dishevelled and it was sad to see. A member of staff put her arms around me and told me not to be distressed and that if I came back later I would see a different person.
“On my return I was amazed, I had my husband back. He was shaved, showered and had been loved back to life. The medical team were talking to me about how he could be made more comfortable. I thank them for their love and devotion, to me that’s what Hospice care is about.”
Richard Blunden attended the service at St Margaret’s Church, Barking, with his son Thomas, 4, and family. He spoke about his Hospice experience as his wife Nikki, died from cancer in April after a four-year battle with the illness.
Richard said: “Nikki’s first reaction to the hospice was no, you go there to die, but she changed her mind as soon as she attended the day hospice, she loved it. The hospice helped her live and put a smile on her face and I could relax knowing she was being well looked after.”
You can still make a dedication to your loved ones and the names of people being remembered will be added to a book of remembrance, which will be displayed at the Hospice until January 6th. To pay tribute and make a donation to the Hospice please call the fundraising team on 01708 723593.
