Light up a Life this Christmas
Bereavement and grief touch us all, and we often feel our loss even more at Christmas time. That’s why, every year, Rowcroft holds a ‘Light up a Life’ celebration – open to all to honour, remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones lost. As part of our ‘Light up a Life’ celebration, you can dedicate a light on our ‘Tree of Light’ in memory of those special people you love and miss.
Throughout the festive season, your light will shine brightly as a poignant way of honouring and celebrating your loved one’s life. Everyone who makes a dedication will be invited to our wonderful ‘Light up a Life’ celebration on Sunday 1 December at 4pm in the grounds of the hospice where the Tree of light will be illuminated. Light up a Life is open to all, not just those families who have been cared for by Rowcroft, but friends, neighbours, colleagues, and everyone who wants to remember a loved one.
When you make a donation through Light up a Life, you can also place a dedication in our beautiful remembrance book – the Book of Light – which is on display at the Sanctuary at Rowcroft Hospice throughout the year.
Rowcroft stars
This festive season, we’ll be hanging stars on one of the hospice’s Christmas trees, with each star dedicated to someone who is loved and missed. (The tree is visible in the bay window of Rainbow House.)
If you’d like a special person to be remembered on our tree, then we can send you a star for you to personalise with the name of your loved one. When you return your star to us, we’ll hang it on our tree for you. Alternatively you may prefer to display it on your tree at home. To request your free star, simply call us on 01803 217642 or email inmemory@rowcrofthospice.org.uk with your name and address.
Lighting the way for others this Christmas
In 2023, Sue Bradshaw received a devastating diagnosis: an inoperable and untreatable tumour. She received support from Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home team as well as spending time on the ward.
“The staff were amazing; you get this sense of a really strong team of people working together. They’re so caring, holistic, and nothing’s a problem. It’s a lovely setting full of dignity, grace, care, and passion,” recalls Sue’s husband, Peter.
“We felt hugely honoured and privileged to be there and being assured was a big confidence boost for the whole family. Sue was in the right place, being well looked after.”
“It’s hard to explain Rowcroft, it’s like a combination of an umbrella above you and a big fluffy cushion underneath you.”
“After Sue passed away, I accessed the bereavement support service. They were caring, experienced and listened – this was invaluable and felt like a safety net. I cannot thank Rowcroft enough for helping me and my family.”
“This year, I will be honouring Sue’s life by dedicating a light on Rowcroft’s Tree of Light to help provide support to families like ours when they need it most.”
Thanks to our generous sponsors
Rowcroft’s Light up a Life event is generously sponsored by Wollens Solicitors of Torquay.
“Wollens is delighted to once again support ‘Light up a Life’ in 2024. The Tree of Life offers a heartfelt way to remember and honour loved ones who have passed away. At Wollens, we acknowledge the significance of this initiative and the invaluable work that Rowcroft carries out in the South Devon community. We are immensely grateful for the support they provide to individuals and their families.”
– Chris Hart, Chief Executive, Wollens