“Dad called the hospice his ‘second family’ – now we celebrate his memory every year with them.”

Dad was Mr Personality! So kind, so generous, always giving his time for others, always the life of every party. When he became ill we cared for him at home – but towards the end we just couldn’t cope and we all gladly accepted the offer of a bed for him at Isabel Hospice.

And what a warm, loving, welcoming place! The staff were so knowledgeable and cared for Dad with such compassion. They eased his pain, made him comfortable – and gave us time to just be with him.

Nothing was too much trouble. One day we asked Dad if he fancied anything and he said, ‘I’d love a pint!’. So, they said ‘Of course’ and my brother went out and bought some of his favourite beer and filled his sipping cup when he wasn’t looking. The smile on his face the next time he had a drink was a mile wide! That’s the face we remember of his time at the hospice.

We’ve not missed a Lights of Love service since Dad died. It’s a safe space for us, a time when we can be with other families who know how we’re feeling. We laugh, cry, remember the good times. And when we light the candles it’s such a precious, moving, special moment.

We’ve been to different services over the years, but they’re all wonderful; last year we got to see Dad’s name in the Lights of Love Book of Dedications – which is always emotional. We hope you’ll choose to come along this year too; you’ll be among your own ‘second family’.