Cherished dad’s memory lives on as family support light up a life

Christmas won’t feel as sparkly this year for Chris Hill and his family without his cherished dad, Bill. But to help his memory live on, the family will remember him through the annual Light Up A Life appeal.

Every year, Light Up A Life offers local people the chance to come together and remember a loved one at Christmas.

Jointly organised by North Devon Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West, people can donate in memory of someone special as a way of supporting both hospice charities.

Throughout December, a number of Light Up A Life services are also held across North Devon where those in attendance can light a candle to mark the memory of someone missed.

Bill, who passed away earlier this year aged 68, was cared for by hospice nurses at home after being diagnosed with cancer.

His son Chris said his mum Gail and the family were blown away by the support they received at what was an incredibly difficult time.

“Mum was caring for dad at home towards the end of his life but having the hospice there to help her made such a huge difference,” said Chris.

“The care they provided was absolutely amazing, and having the nurses there so often meant mum could go and get the rest she needed. As soon as they walked through the door, they put us all at ease – I can’t imagine what it would have been like without them.”

After a tough year, Chris said the family are looking forward to being together at Christmas: “About a month before dad passed, we lost my nan too, so this year has been a really difficult time for us all but it’s nice to have Christmas together to look forward to.

“As a family, we always said we wanted to give back to the hospice after what they did for us, and I can’t think of a better way to do that at this time of year than by supporting Light Up A Life.”

Lisa Mackenzie, events manager at North Devon Hospice said: “I have the pleasure of knowing Chris and his family, so to have their support for this year’s Light Up a Life is just wonderful.

“As for many local families, the hospice holds a special place in their hearts, so to welcome them back to remember their loved ones this Christmas will be a real privilege.”

To make a donation to this year’s Light Up A Life appeal, which is kindly sponsored by James Electrics, please visit www.lual.co.uk.

Light Up A Life services 2023

Grosvenor Church, Barnstaple, Friday, December 8, 7pm

Torrington Methodist Church, Sunday, December 10, 10am

All Hallows Church, Woolsery, Tuesday, December 12, 6.30pm

Bideford Pannier Market, Saturday, December 16, 6.30pm