Local family share why they are supporting Dove House’s Light up a Life

Light up a Life is a wonderful opportunity for hospice supporters and the wider community to remember a loved one this Christmas. Dove House Hospice welcomes everyone, regardless of how long ago your loved one died and whether or not they received hospice care, to take part in this unique appeal.

Donna, whose dad was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer seven years ago, shared with us why she thinks Dove House is so special and why her daughter Georgia is excited to perform at Light up a Life this year: “It is the worst thing a family can go through, being told one of the people you love most has a terminal illness.

“We felt like we were on our own until a nurse referred us to the hospice and now they are the first people I know we can call on to help us.

“The hospice even helped with things like sorting out finances, which I wasn’t even aware they did and there is always someone for my mum to talk to. Her and my dad have been together since they were 18 years old, the diagnosis not only threw my dad’s world up in the air, it threw my mum’s up also and for her to be able to be supported is outstanding. The hospice is there for us all as a family through this incredibly difficult time and we can’t thank them enough.

“Without Dove House we would have been lost. When Georgia sings it really lifts her grandad up, he always says she is his medicine. He will be delighted to hear her sing at Light up a Life this Saturday as he is her biggest cheerleader. Georgia is so proud to help, show her support to the hospice and express our gratitude for everything the hospice does and for the continued support us they give us.

“We can breathe a bit easier knowing Dove House is there for us.”

Donations are still welcome to the appeal in memory of your loved one and although tickets to the in-person event are sold out you can watch the service virtually from Saturday 11th December.

The generosity of those who honour a loved one through Light up a Life ensures Dove House is there for every family who needs them, at Christmas time and throughout the year. With your support, the hospice can go the extra mile to ensure that memories which will be cherished forever are made, and that such a dark and difficult time is filled with warmth and light.

Katie Wilkinson, Individual Fundraiser at Dove House, has this to say: “We want to thank Donna and Georgia for sharing their story in support of the hospice. Georgia is an incredible singer and we know that everyone attending the service and those watching at home with be moved by her incredible voice. We also want to thank everyone who has donated to the appeal this year in memory of their loved ones. Your donations help make such a difference to families like Donna and Georgia’s.”

To make a donation or for more information please visit: www.dovehouse.org.uk/lightupalife, or contact the fundraising team on: 01482 785 743 or by email at fundraising@dovehouse.org.uk.