Light up a Life Story

As the festive season draws near, Saint Francis Hospice is inviting people to dedicate a star in its Night Sky to the ones they love and miss.

The Hospice's virtual Night Sky is a special place where people can post a photo and a message which can then be shared with family and friends. 

All the charity asks in return is that you make a donation so it can continue caring and supporting patients and their families, just as it has through the pandemic.

Your donation will help people like Gary Nelson who was just 35 years old when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. His children were only three months and twenty-two months old when he was given two years to live. 

"Gary was scared at home," remembered his wife, Vicky. "He was so happy to get to the Hospice, where he knew he would get care 24/7 and not have to worry about waking me up in the middle of the night in pain. His one wish was to not die at home in front of the children."

When Gary entered what would be the final day of his life, Vicky told Poppy and Daisy that they had to say goodbye to Daddy. Poppy was scared of her dad's appearance. She kissed her mum's hand, and Vicky kissed Gary's.

"We passed the kiss along," Vicky explained.

Vicky held Gary's hand and told him that it was okay for him to go now. Gary, unresponsive for days, managed to mouth the words "I love you" to his wife much to Vicky's joy.

"He mustered so much energy to say that," she said.

To dedicate a star visit www.sfh.org.uk/night-sky.