The annual Ceremony is an opportunity to take a few moments to remember family and friends who have died, to reflect on happier times, and watch as the lights on the hospice Christmas tree are switched on in their memory.
Over 200 people have made dedications in our Light Up a Life appeal so far. Proceeds from dedications go towards helping us provide end-of-life nursing care for local people.
It was mum's wish to stay at home
Fiona Hickey, 57, from Belper, has been dedicating a light in memory of her mum Natalie since she died of ovarian cancer in September 2013.
It’s an important tradition for the Hickey family each year, helping Fiona feel her mum is still part of their Christmas.
It was always mum’s wish to stay at home, our family home, when the end came. So, between myself, my dad, and my daughter, we looked after her.
We were all exhausted
“Towards the end, we were struggling. Mum couldn't be left on her own, somebody had to be with her at night. We were literally sleeping on the floor next to her because we couldn't fit another bed in the room. We were all exhausted.”
Treetops Hospice at Home nurses came to help care for Natalie at night.
The Treetops nurses were so special and made so much difference. They would just come in, so calm and capable, and they just sort of quietly took over. And you’d just think, ‘ah, yes, I can relax now’, which was lovely. It meant we could have a good night’s sleep and be fresh the next day.
We fulfilled our promise
“In the end, mum died peacefully and we were all with her. We fulfilled our promise to keep her at home and we couldn’t have done that without Treetops Hospice.”
It’s the first time that we have been able to host our Light Up a Life Remembrance Ceremony on site since the Coronavirus pandemic. The Ceremony will include readings and music, accompanied by Stapleford Brass Band.