A Knaresborough family are to return to Saint Michael’s Hospice for a remembrance service after losing their loved one.

The remembrance service has become a tradition in Harrogate district over the past 20 years.

For families such as the Gill’s the service is a comforting experience. It gives them the chance to return to the place their loved one, Tim Gill, spent his final days.

Tim was cared for by Saint Michael’s from October 2018 to January 2019 after his kidney cancer progressed and he lost the use of his legs. His family said he was a lover of nature and the outdoors and often took refuge in the hospice’s peaceful grounds in Hornbeam Park overlooking the Crimple Valley.

The remembrance service gives families a moment to come together to remember loved ones and bring comfort and hope to families living with terminal illness and bereavement.

Tim’s daughter, Sam Gill said:

“The care Dad and our family received at Saint Michael’s could not have been more perfect. What was absolutely priceless was feeling that Dad’s and our individual wishes were respected. Dad could be exactly who he wanted to be thanks to their wonderfully personal approach.”

The tree will be lit during the service on Sunday.

The Light up a Life remembrance event had to be held online last year due to covid but this year it will be held in the hospice’s grounds at 4pm on Sunday, December 12.

There will also be a virtual service later on the Sunday at 6.30pm.

The events will feature readings, reflections from the community and live music, as well as the memorable moment when the outdoor trees are illuminated – each light dedicated to the memory of someone special.

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Tony Collins, Saint Michael’s chief executive said:

“We are pleased to be able to gather, while taking the necessary safely precautions, with members of our community in-person once again, if the time is right for them.

“We know how much Light up a Life means to the families we’ve cared for and our wider community, and it means so much to us too

“After another challenging year of the pandemic, we want to let our community know that we are here for them. We understand the winter months can be difficult emotionally, especially if living with bereavement or anxiety, and we want to do all we can to support people in whatever way is right for them.”

The charity’s  Just ‘B’ team will be sharing comforting reflections during the Light up a Life services. The service helps those experiencing bereavement, anxiety or low mood via its Hear to Help helpline

To make a donation or dedicate a light on the virtual tree, click here.

The much-loved ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas event organised by Saint Michael’s Hospice will go virtual this year to ensure local people can still remember their loved ones.

The event is held each year giving people the opportunity to dedicate a light to someone. This year the charity wanted the continue the tradition and ensure that people can still come together even thought they may be apart.

The charity is inviting people to watch the event as it is streamed online on Sunday, December 13 at 5pm.

People can donate to the charity and have a light placed on the virtual Christmas tree with a small message and picture if they wish.

Chief Executive of Saint Michael’s, Tony Collins, said:

“This year has truly been a year like no other and the changes made to our Light up a Life event reflect that, with the safety and the wellbeing of our community at the heart of our decision making.

“Each light will sparkle in tribute to a special person and will shine throughout the festive season as a symbol of hope and love.”

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The charity offers end of life care to people across the Harrogate district regardless of their diagnosis or place of care.

John Bickers (left) and his wife Doreen in 2004.

Melanie Fuller, from Harrogate, is tuning into this year’s online event to remember her Nan and Grandad. St Michael’s supported her family as her Nan, Doreen Bickers, passed away. She said her Grandad, John, was always grateful for the charity’s support. She said:

“Light Up A Life was such a comfort to my Grandad, and to us as a family. It gave him a time to remember and reflect, and feel near to her. Sadly my Grandad passed away this September.

“As such, it will now be an opportunity for us as a family remember them both. This year’s virtual event will be poignant for us, and we will be tuning in and reflecting on their lives.”

To dedicate a light on the tree, click here.