Light up a life

Christmas is a wonderful time of year but for some whose loved ones have passed away, it can be overshadowed by a sense of loss. 

Cornwall Hospice Care’s annual ‘Light Up A Life’ event is about remembering those who have died, celebrating their lives and taking time to reflect on happy memories.

This year the charity has had to change its plans as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Light Up A Life event will be held virtually. Filmed at Truro Cathedral, this magnificent building will be lit up with candles representing all the lives being remembered across Cornwall. “It’s an opportunity to join together virtually to grieve and to celebrate the lives of our lost loved ones,” says fundraiser, Oli Hoare. “There’ll be readings, messages of support, songs and dedications to those who have passed away.”  

The virtual event will be broadcast in early December and people can make their dedications in remembrance of their loved ones throughout November. “There’s a special page on our website where you can tell us about the person or people you want to remember and make a donation in their honour,” continues Oli. “All the money we raise this year will be going to Terry’s Bed Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to keep a bed at each of our two hospices open for the next six months while we cope with the restrictions the pandemic has placed on us.” 

Terry was cared for at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell during lockdown and during this time he talked about what had happened to him and what being cared for at the hospice meant to him. When he knew the very bed he was in was at risk of closing he wanted to help and wrote a letter in which he said: “When I needed it, when I was feeling frightened and disturbed, this beautiful place had a bed for me and it felt like a gift. I’d be devastated if my bed closed.” Sadly, Terry died, but his legacy is an appeal that will help Cornwall Hospice Care to continue offering 24/7 support to terminally ill patients and their families. 

Cornwall Hospice Care
01726 66868 (option 3)
www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/lightupalife