The daughter of a patient who was cared for at St Giles Hospice in the final months of her life is inviting people to make a special dedication in memory of their loved ones as part of the charity’s Light up a Life campaign.

Each year families come together for the remembrance events, arranged across the region by St Giles Hospice, which offer them the chance to remember family, friends and colleagues at this special time of the year.

Karen Worrallo-Dobson first took part in Light up a Life in December 2020, one year after her mother, Hazel, died at St Giles Hospice.

She said: “Mum spent three months at St Giles and the care she received from everyone at the hospice was out of this world. When she arrived at St Giles, she was very poorly. But within hours, she seemed like a different person – the change was absolutely incredible.”

People take part in Light up a Life by dedicating a light in memory of their loved one on the Light up a Life tree, writing a message for the Book of Memories and joining St Giles at one of their special services.

Karen continued: “I could never repay the debt of gratitude I owe to St Giles – and
that’s why I’ll always support Light up a Life.
“It’s a wonderful way to raise vital funds, whilst remembering the special person that
you’ve lost.
“We’ve got family all over the world and they love to see mum’s dedication on the
virtual Christmas tree. This year, a service is being held virtually too, which will mean
we can all join together for a truly meaningful event in memory of mum.”

Sally Redmond, In Memory and Legacy Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “Our
Light up a Life services give families like Karen’s the opportunity to come together to
celebrate the lives of their loved ones, whilst supporting the work of the hospice.
“We’re delighted that Light up a Life means so much to people in our local
community.”

In 2022, St Giles Light up a Life services will be held at St Giles Hospice in  Whittington, St Modwen's Church in Burton-on-Trent, St Luke’s Church in Cannock and Lichfield Cathedral. St Giles will also be introducing a virtual service this year for those unable to attend the in-person services.

Everyone who dedicates a light will receive a special keepsake Light up a Life card
to display at Christmas time, featuring their dedication along with a bookmark
featuring a poignant poem of remembrance.
The name of loved ones and personal messages will be included in the Book of
Memories, which will be available to view online and at all of the Light up a Life
services.

Dedications can be made online at www.stgileshospice.com/lightupalife before Thursday 17th November. Any dedications made after this date will still appear on the virtual tree, but not in the Book of Memories.

For further information about Light up a Life, please email
fundraising@stgileshospice.com