How you can honour a loved one with Ashgate Hospice's Light up a Life this Christmas

The hospice’s annual event – called Light Up a Life – will be taking place virtually, on Sunday, December 13, due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

It is open to anyone who would like to remember a lost loved one – not just those whose family has been supported by the hospice – by dedicating a star and making a donation.

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Jack Wood, individual giving manager, said: “As most people will know, this year has been very difficult for the hospice as we have lost income from our shops being forced to close, and from fundraising events that have had to be cancelled or moved online.

“Therefore, every donation to our Light up a Life appeal will help us continue to provide our specialist, compassionate care to patients and their families across north Derbyshire.”

Despite not being able to gather at Ashgate Hospicecare’s building in Old Brampton like in previous years, the event will still feature carol singing, personal stories from those remembering someone special, and reflections from hospice chaplain Siobhan Hoyes.

One family who will be dedicating a star is Georgie Hodgson and her sons, Tom and Eddie, who lost their husband and father, John to cancer.

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Georgie said: “With the help of Ashgate I knew we were not alone.

“Three weeks before John died, we decided to have him transferred to the hospice. During his time there, he and my family wanted for nothing. We were surrounded by love and care, which didn’t stop after John died.”

Following John’s death, Georgie was invited to join an Ashgate Hospicecare counselling group for bereaved partners.

She said: “I was nervous about going, but the boys saw the letter on the side and persuaded me to try it, at least for one session. I felt like I was pulled through it emotionally in that first session, but I knew it was doing me good and so I continued to go.”

To dedicate a star, make a donation and to join in the virtual ceremony, visit www.lightupalife.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

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