Nottinghamshire Hospice in Mapperley is urging families to remember loved ones who have died with its Light Up a Life appeal this Christmas.
The initiative encourages people to dedicate a light on the hospice tree in memory of a loved one in return for a small donation.
The money raised will go towards helping terminally-ill patients at the hospice to be cared for in their own homes as they near the end of their lives.
Alternatively for £350 – the cost of a night of care – supporters can light up the hospice tower for a night in a colour of their choice, to celebrate someone special.
Gemma Taylor-Mahon, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “Sponsoring a light on our tree or lighting up our tower is a special way of remembering a loved one.
“Your donations will not only shine a light on the memory of those special people but will also light up the lives of those the hospice will be caring for this winter and beyond.
“We associate the festive season with joyful family times but for those we care for and their families it can be an especially difficult period as our patients are coming to the end of their lives. By making a small donation you will help us make a difference to patients, providing care so they can be at home for their last Christmas.”
One family all too aware of the importance of the care for loved ones are the family of Mick Murphy from Carlton, who celebrated Christmas early this year because they knew Mick’s wife Carole was nearing the end of her life.
Mick praised the Hospice in helping and supporting him and his family during this difficult time.
He said: “Your care was very inclusive of the whole family. It supported us all and having you guys there freed me up to do the emotional bit – holding hands, playing games, and reading books.
“The hospice staff were caring, compassionate, consummately professional, and above all, human. They took great care to find out about Carole’s background, likes and dislikes, and did everything possible to ensure her comfort as her needs increased.
“Your motto – adding life to days – is absolutely right. If I had to write a textbook on how to support someone at the end of life this would be it. The hospice staff played a huge part in ensuring that the final part of Carole’s life journey was a positive one. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Throughout the festive season, nursing teams from Nottinghamshire Hospice will be out day and night across the city and county, caring for people in their last days and hours of life.
Healthcare Assistant Leanne, who worked the last two Christmases and is working this year too, said: “It’s really tough for families when someone is dying, especially at Christmas. It’s so important that we are there for patients, families, and carers.
Donations to the appeal will go towards the cost of end-of-life care, pain-reducing therapies and bereavement support for families and carers.
- £10 lights up the last moments of life
- £30 lights up two bereaved people’s days with support
- £50 lights the way for a nurse or healthcare assistant to reach a family
- £350 lights up a night in someone’s home
To support the initiative, go to https://www.nottshospice.org/light/
