Nottinghamshire Hospice has launched its annual “Light up a Life” campaign to remember loved ones and the joy they brought to people’s lives.
Each year the charity gives local people a chance to shine a light on the lives of loved ones who have died through a donation towards the Hospice’s vital care.
This year dedications will be displayed both in a digital night sky filled with stars for each person remembered, and a dedication wall at the Hospice with hand-written stars.
Visitors are welcome to visit these dedications over the course of November and December.
Jacqui has supported the Hospice for over a decade after they cared for her mum Margaret, who died of dementia.
She said: “My Dad, then nearly 90, was mum’s primary carer, supported by myself and my sisters. We arranged for some residential respite care to give my father a rest, but Mum found it impossible to settle away from the people and home that she loved, so we made the decision to have her nursed at home.
“Her condition deteriorated, and she became bedridden. When we were able to secure overnight care from Nottinghamshire Hospice, we knew that she would be safe and well looked after.
“The Light Up A Life campaign is an initiative that I always support. Christmas is a time for reflection and looking back to the people we’ve lost. It’s good to turn these thoughts into something positive.”
The Hospice is also holding two remembrance events on Sunday, December 1 People will join one another in a moment of reflection – with candle lighting, readings and refreshments, as well as the chance to see the dedication wall at the Hospice.
Cathie Alcock is a nurse and Head of Community Services at Nottinghamshire Hospice – she and her teams deliver end-of-life care directly in people’s homes: “Our care is special and is a lifeline for people caring for loved ones at the end of their life. We offer relief in their darkest moments and help more people die at home surrounded by home comforts and loved ones.”
In 2023/24, the Hospice cared for 2,498 people, which included 38,774 hours of care in people’s homes. 8 in 10 of Hospice patients would be in hospital if it wasn’t for its care (96% of people would prefer to die at home).
Nottinghamshire Hospice is a charity and relies on donations to make care for people like Margaret and her family possible. £30 pays for an hour of care at someone’s home, £120 pays for a course of bereavement sessions, and £300 pays for a member of our team to stay overnight in somebody’s home.
