Lights of Life
Remember the people you love and miss.
We never stop missing the people no longer with us. We know it can be harder at this time of year. Lights of Life is an opportunity for people to reflect on precious memories and celebrate the lives of the people no longer with us, and all are invited. In November, we will create a stunning display of lights in our garden as a tribute to the people we love - our Lights of Life.
There are a few ways to be involved in Lights of Life, listed below:
Dedicate a Star
Write your loved one's name or a message to go on a paper star, which will be hung in our gardens with hundreds more, surrounded by twinkling lights.
For each star card dedicated we kindly ask for a donation, which will be used to fund the care we are giving our patients and their loved ones this winter. This means the display is not only one of love, but of support for the future of the Hospice.
Lights of Life Service: Sunday 17th November, 5-6pm
Hosted by BBC Regional Radio presenter, Babs Michel, the service includes:
- Live music from Roxy Searle
- Readings from staff and families
- A moment of silence by candlelight
- The official switch on of the Lights of Life
- Time to wander through the gardens and view the star dedications and lights.
Garden Visits: Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th November, 5-7pm
Visit our gardens for a peaceful walk through our Lights of Life, including our secret woodland walk. Visits are available in 15 minute slots, each available to a maximum of two groups, where you'll be able to:
- View the lights and dedication stars
- Light a candle and place it in a location of your choice
- Take time to pause and reflect.
Lights of Life Wreaths
New for 2024, these beautiful, hand-drawn wooden wreaths can be personalised with a word or your loved one's name. They cost £12 each and owner of local business, Daphne Rosa, Kate, is donating 15% from every wreath sold to the Hospice.
*The ribbon will be blue for our wreaths, photo for illustrative purposes.
How your donation will help
Every day we need to raise £15,300 so we can continue to provide our services free of charge to people like Roger, who you can read all about below. No matter the size, your donation will make a difference to him and all others relying on us right now.
- £24 could pay for an hour of care on our Inpatient Unit, for one patient
- £43 could cover a one-to-one bereavement counselling session from our Family Support team
- £86 could fund two visits to a patient’s home by our community team
Roger's story
Roger, from Hitchin, went to hospital because he wasn’t able to walk. After three weeks in a bed with little progress, he was referred to the Hospice. With guidance from the Rehab and Wellbeing team, Roger was back on his feet within two days. He told us: “Last week I was totally uncertain about what tomorrow was going to bring and I was scared. A week later I feel like a totally different person and I’m looking forward to life. It’s incredible, they have given me my independence back.”
We will continue to support Roger in his home and via our weekly wellbeing hubs.
Lights of Life testimonials
Pam's story
Pam and her family attend Lights of Life every year to remember her dad, Ken, who died in 2010 and her mum, Iris, who died in 2012.
"I find the service so moving, our family really appreciate it," she said. "We will always remember what excellent and positive care they, and we, had from your lovely staff. Thank you for including the loved ones of your patients in what you do."
Pam always attends with her son, daughter-in-law and their daughters. He said: "It is a special time when I can focus on the memory of my Nan and Grandad without any distraction. Also I can feel a strong bond with everyone there, as we all have something in common in that we are all in an act of remembrance of loved ones. It is a nice feeling and I like to come every year."
John's story
John's wife, Sharon, died from ovarian cancer in September 2019, and he's attended Lights of Life every year since.
"Sharon was transferred to the Hospice from Lister Hospital and from the moment she was admitted an air of calmness and serenity and true warmth and kindness from everyone there meant that her final days were made a good deal more comfortable," he said.
"I attend the event every year with close family and friends and very much see it as a time for reflection especially as September 29th this year sees 5 years since Sharon passed away."
With special thanks to our sponsors:
