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 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, listed below. Click to register your interest in Lights of Life 2024.
Dedicate a Star
Dedicate a star to your loved one and it will be hung outside with hundreds more, surrounded by twinkling lights.
Lights of Life Service
- Readings from staff and families
- Live music
- A moment of silence by candlelight
- The official switch on of our Lights of Life
- Warming refreshments
- Time to walk through the gardens and find or hang your star dedication
Garden Visits
Visit our gardens which will feature wintry trees bathed in lights, blankets of soft fairy lights and our secret woodland walk. You can view the lights and dedication stars, light a candle and place in a location of your choice, take time to pause and reflect, and enjoy warming light refreshments.
Lights of Life wooden stars
Wooden stars which can be pre-ordered and personalised with your loved one's name, for use within your festive decorations.
Lights of Life testimonials
Diane's story
Diane was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer at just 62-years-old. Her family, including her sister Shirley, were devastated. Diane's condition dramatically worsened within a short space of time and she was admitted to our Inpatient Unit.
"She - and we all - were petrified of her coming in," said Shirley. "But from the minute she got there, she seemed at peace. She didn't want to leave. She felt safe. Being surrounded by specialist staff was a huge comfort, because we knew how well she was being looked after."
Last year, Shirley attended her first Lights of Life service: "You feel a real warmth being around so many people in a similar position to you, all there to remember someone. It felt like we were doing something to celebrate Diane's life, as well as saying thank you and giving money to a cause that wouldn't survive without donations."
Derek attends the Lights of Life Service with his mother, where together they remember his father:
"We find it a time for reflection, especially returning to where my dad received his care. For those who haven't been, try it, even if your loved one was not cared for at the Hospice - seeing the lights reminds us of all our loved ones."
Mel visits the gardens after a close friend of hers received care at the Hospice in 2021:
"I liked the idea of dedicating a star in a loved one's memory and having space to reflect on memories of them. It's so calm and peaceful. The lights are really beautiful and at what is an extremely busy time of year it's the perfect opportunity to sit, think and wander around at your own pace."
Register your interest
Please fill out the form below to register your interest in Lights of Life 2024 and we will be in touch next year with the details. If you fill out your address, you will receive a postal invitation; otherwise, this will be sent to you by email only.
