Families to gather at Treetops Hospice as gardens are illuminated for Light Up a Life event

Local woman Emma Barker, from Spondon, is calling on the community to join her at Treetops Hospice’s Light Up a Life event this December, as she remembers her dad, Neil, who died from bowel cancer in 2022, supported by the hospice in his final days.

Neil was well known locally, working at Rolls-Royce in Derby for 25 years and remembered fondly for his kindness, hard work and love of “anything with an engine”.

Emma said: “You only had to mention his name and everyone knew who he was.”

In Neil’s final days, Treetops’ Hospice at Home nurses provided overnight care, allowing Emma, her mum and younger brother to rest while knowing he was being looked after with compassion and dignity.

After his death, Emma and her mum continued to receive bereavement counselling and complementary therapies from the hospice, support she says helped them massively.

Emma explained that Light Up a Life has become an important way to honour her dad whilst supporting her local hospice and the help they provided. She said: “My dad was such a light in my life, so seeing the lime tree illuminated in his memory feels like a beautiful way for others to see just how brightly he shone.

“It’s comforting to know that, alongside so many other families, we can celebrate the people we love and remember how much they meant to us.”

This year’s Light Up a Life event takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026 from 4pm, when the hospice will once again open its gardens in Risley for an evening of remembrance. For the first time, the large lime tree will be illuminated as the focal point within the charity’s 12.5‑acre grounds.

The event will feature reflective readings, shared family stories and music, followed by a new lantern walk through the gardens.

Guests will also be able to light tealights in memory of loved ones, browse stalls and enjoy seasonal refreshments.

The event is free to attend, with supporters invited to make a donation for a dedication in the Light Up a Life Book of Remembrance, which will be available to view at the hospice from January 2027.

Last year, Light Up a Life raised £24,000, contributing to the hospice’s end‑of‑life and bereavement services across central and southern Derbyshire.

Treetops supports around 2,000 patients and families each year, delivering more than 34,000 hours of care, alongside over 5,000 hours of bereavement support, including 1,500 hours for children and young people.

Jules Kirk, Head of Therapeutic Services at Treetops Hospice, said:

“We’re looking forward to welcoming families from our local community to our gardens in Risley for our special remembrance event this December, particularly as we introduce some new elements.

“Light Up a Life provides a meaningful opportunity for people to come together, reflect on cherished memories and celebrate the lives of those they hold dear.

“It is a chance to honour someone special in a supportive setting, surrounded by others who understand the importance of remembering and celebrating loved ones.”

To sign up for the event and make a dedication, visit https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/event/light-up-a-life-event/