St Clare Hospice is inviting people to come together and remember their loved ones at one of the charity’s Light up a Life services taking place in December.

Light up a Life is a time to remember loved ones who are no longer with us and reflect on your special memories of them.

This year, two Light up a Life services are being held at the Hospice in Hastingwood on Thursday 11th December at 7pm, and Saturday 14th December at 4pm. There will be readings and music as well as festive stalls to browse and refreshments served in the Hospice dining room after the service has ended.

Families with young children are invited to come along at 2.30pm on Saturday 14th December to take part in arts and craft activities led by St Clare’s Patient and Family Support Service before the ceremony starts at 4pm.

Katy Ives will be among those attending Light up a Life this year in memory of her beloved husband and much-loved daddy, Ben. ‘‘Ben was the love of my life. We enjoyed going out, went on lots of holidays and had so much fun together. We were then blessed with our two beautiful boys, Oliver and Max.’’

Reflecting on her time with the Hospice, Katy shared: “Our time at St Clare allowed us to create precious memories with Ben, away from the pressures of caregiving. For my sons, the Hospice was filled with joy and adventure; the staff went above and beyond to make it a positive space for us. Ben’s wish was to die peacefully with me by his side, and St Clare helped fulfil that with dignity and love.”

Katy’s sons, Oliver and Max, were deeply supported during their time at St Clare. They participated in activities, like a jungle-themed tepee sleepover organised by the Hospice team when the family had to cancel their holiday. These thoughtful gestures gave the boys happy memories of the Hospice, and after Ben’s passing, they were given keepsakes and time to say their goodbyes in a way that felt comforting and peaceful.

Katy added, “St Clare Hospice made a difference that I’ll carry forever. Their care for hundreds of families like ours reminds me why these events, like Light up a Life, are so important. They are a way for us to remember, support each other, and celebrate the lives we hold dear.”

The Light up a Life services are open to everyone, regardless of faith or a connection to St Clare, offering a place to come together in unity and remembrance. St Clare Hospice warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to celebrate the life and memory of a loved one this December.

For more information about attending a Light up a Life service this December, or to make a dedication in memory of someone you love, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/light. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or call 01279 773750 for more information.