DERBYSHIRE: Daughter’s Lights of Love tribute

Anna Patman, 42, of Boythorpe, Chesterfield, was so comforted by the care her mum Barbara and dad John received at the hospice, on Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, that she is backing the charity’s Lights of Love campaign as great way for everyone to remember lost loved ones during the festive season.

She said: “Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in February and was cared for at the hospice during the last two weeks of her life and passed away in July and dad was diagnosed in August and was looked after at the hospice before he died in October.

“The hospice staff were angels. They nurtured our family all the way through mum and dad’s last days and helped them both keep their dignity.

“It will be difficult at Christmas for our family but to be involved in the lights of Love campaign and to see the campaign tree in the hospice grounds decorated in our parents’ honour will be special.”

Anna and her family are urging residents to dedicate a Light of Love decoration and make a donation in honour of lost loved ones.

All those who take part will be invited to the Christmas lights switch-on at the hospice on December 16 during the hospice’s 25th anniversary year. Make a dedication via www.ashgatehospice.org and call 01246 567250 to make donations or for more details.

Those who dedicate a Christmas Light of Love can make a donation of £5 or more in a loved one’s name and will receive a personalised card to write a message. Those who donate £25 or more receive a remembrance bracelet or a beautiful tree decoration with a space to insert a photo.

There is also an option to have a dedication placed on one of the hospice’s virtual online Christmas trees. Every donation will help to provide vital specialist care.