People can dedicate a light which will shine brightly on the hospice’s Tree of Lights and include a personalised message to their loved one in a special remembrance book. Every donation made will help John Taylor Hospice teams to continue providing care for people living with a terminal illness and their families.
Each year, hundreds of people come together for John Taylor Hospice’s Light up a Life celebration event. Local communities are warmly invited to join this year’s occasion on Friday 6 December at 6.30pm at Harvest Fields Centre in Sutton Coldfield for an evening of music, readings and the illumination of the Tree of Lights.
Among those making a dedication this year is Rachael Everton from Sutton Coldfield who will be shining a light for her mother Julie Bowdler. John Taylor Hospice teams provided care for mum-of-two Julie who died on 30 July 2019, aged 57.
Rachael, who will be joined at the Light up a Life event by her father Andrew, brother William and her husband Dan, said: “Mom had been battling cancer since 1995. She was amazing and never complained or let things get her down and she always made sure my brother and I came first.
“When I got married in July my mom was too ill to attend the ceremony, but hospice staff went out of their way to make sure we could celebrate together as a family. They bought us Champagne and decorated Mom’s room with a flower arch, candles and personal messages.
“They even arranged for Dad and I to stay overnight in a family room at the hospice so we could all get ready together in the morning. It was amazing and we were so moved. Thanks to them we will always have such beautiful and special memories from that day.”
Rachael and her family are so grateful for the support they received that they went on to organise a BBQ party in Julie’s memory – raising almost £4,000 to help fund hospice services. “John Taylor Hospice is a charity so close to many family’s hearts and hundreds of people every day need their help,” added Rachael, 28.
“We are honoured to support such a loving and supportive team and they deserve so much more than we could ever give for everything they did to help Mom and make her life as comfortable as possible at the end.”
Emily Boate, community and events fundraising manager at John Taylor Hospice, said: “We know what an important event Light up a Life is for so many families. The event also raises thousands of pounds for our charity every year and it is only thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters that local people can continue to receive the care and support they need.
“So, by dedicating a light and making a donation, you are also lighting up the lives of others – helping to ensure these vital services are available for people like Julie and her family 365 days a year.”
To make a dedication and donation please visit www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk/LUAL or call the hospice Fundraising Team on 0121 728 6739.