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We care for 500 in patients and make more than 5,000 home visits a year.
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Light up a life
08 December 2009
Photos taken at our Light up a life services are now available to view on our Facebook page
Generations of families and individuals have come together to remember loved ones at our annual Light up a Life services.
Around 1,800 people attended our Light up a Life services, which give people the opportunity to celebrate, reflect and remember those dear to them and include carols, readings of the Christmas story and patients, relatives and staff sharing their experiences of Saint Francis Hospice.
There were five services this year – three on Sunday 6th December in Brentwood Cathedral, St Thomas’ Church, Brentwood and St Margaret’s Church, Barking and two on Tuesday 8th December at Trinity Methodist Church, Romford, and Gants Hill Methodist Church. Local dignitaries including Brentwood MP Eric Pickles and the Mayors and Mayoresses of Brentwood, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham attended.
Joan Gardner, whose husband Ken, received care at Saint Francis Hospice for six years until he sadly lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease in August, spoke at the Brentwood services. She said: “My husband initially received care as an inpatient while I was recovering from a cataract operation. He then attended day hospice from 2003 until this June and benefited from the extensive hospice care including physiotherapy, a nutritious lunch and talks with the chaplain or medical team. This gave me a short break from caring and time to shop or meet friends and Ken returned home happy.
“When Ken became less well it was my dearest wish that he stayed at home and the nurses from the Hospice at Home team came to us to provide care. They looked after Ken at night while I could catch up on much-needed sleep. Thanks to the hospice Ken died at home with dignity.”
Other people sharing their hospice experiences were Victoria O’Neill, from Romford, who spoke about the care her dad and family received last Christmas and Pat McHenry, who is receiving hospice care.
Hospice chaplain Graham Laut, who led some of the services, said: “There was a wonderful turnout of people coming together to remember their loved ones. Christmas is a time of joy and family gatherings, but for some who have lost someone close to them it can be a lonely time of year. Our Light up a Life services are part of the support we provide to the friends and families of patients to bring them comfort.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support and for the patients and staff who spoke with honesty and warmth about their hospice experiences.
Individuals and families can still make a dedication to their loved ones and make a donation to the hospice, which provides free treatment, care and support to local people affected by any life limiting illness, as the Light up a Life appeal runs until January.
The names of people being dedicated will be added to a special book of remembrance, which will be on display at Saint Francis Hospice until January 6th. If you would like to support the hospice and pay tribute to someone please call the fundraising team on 01708 723593.
