Parents of Tabs, 18, urge North Devon to remember loved ones this Christmas
The North Devon Hospice is inviting everyone in the area to dedicate a star in memory of someone special this Christmas, with the aim of raising funds to support local people and their families receive care and support when they need it most.
When Tabitha, known to everyone who loved her as Tabs, was cared for at North Devon Hospice, a bed was made up beside her so her parents never had to leave her side.
Tabs was 18 when she died after eight days at the hospice. Now her parents, Mike and Hayley Quinton-Tulloch, are asking people across North Devon to remember someone they miss, as the hospice launches its Light Up a Life appeal.
Mrs Quinton-Tulloch said: “Those eight days at the hospice obviously broke our hearts, but the amazing team there held us at the same time. They cared for Tabs with such kindness and dignity, and they supported our whole family too.”
The family will never forget the small acts of kindness that made such a difference. Tabs’ puppy, Nala, could visit whenever she liked, and a nurse even painted Tabs’ nails in her favourite colour.
Through Light Up a Life, the family can see her star shining alongside others. Mr Quinton-Tulloch said: “We write her name on a star, alongside hundreds of other families who do the same, as they all understand what it means to miss someone so much. It doesn’t take the grief away, but it makes it easier to carry. This Christmas, we’re asking you to make a dedication for someone you miss too. It only takes a moment, but it means everything. It’s a chance to say their name, remember them, and know you’re not carrying it alone.”
The appeal invites everyone in North Devon to dedicate a star in memory of someone special, whether a parent, a partner, a child, a friend or anyone else who holds a place in their heart. No link to the hospice is needed to take part.
Each dedication will see a star bearing a loved one’s name hung on the Light Up a Life trees in Barnstaple Pannier Market, alongside hundreds of other tributes.
People can see their star in person at a free Christmas concert at the market at 6pm on Thursday, December 17, when the community will come together to remember those who are no longer with us.
Every donation made through the appeal supports the work of North Devon Hospice, helping local people and their families receive care and support when they need it most.
Robyn Tregaskes, of North Devon Hospice, said: “Every donation in memory will help local people this Christmas who are facing the end of their life. It means the hospice can wrap families up in our care, helping them to make precious memories, during what could be their last Christmas all together.”
She added: “You can join us at 6pm on 17 December, at Barnstaple Pannier Market, to see your star shining brightly at our free Christmas Concert. It’s a special time to enjoy some wonderful musical talent and festive food, while celebrating the memory of those who mean so much.”
James Electrics Contracting and M&E Alarms are the headline sponsors of this year’s appeal.
Aaron Heighton, of James Electrics Contracting, said: “Like many local families, the hospice has touched our lives recently, so we know how important their care is within our community. Christmas can be a difficult time, because whether you’ve lost someone recently or a long time ago, their absence is felt strongly at this time of year. So we hope everyone joins us by remembering a loved one through Light Up a Life this year.”
Scott Masters, of M&E Alarms, said: “It’s our pleasure to support the Light Up a Life appeal, because everybody has someone they miss at this time of year, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to remember them. We also know that every pound raised will make a real difference to patients and families who will need the care and support of North Devon Hospice this Christmas.”
To dedicate a star, visit northdevonhospice.org.uk/light.