Bolton Hospice runs Christmas Light up a Life appeals

This comes as hospices all over the country face huge financial challenges and the team in Bolton work hard for fairer contributions for the government.

The Light up a Life events will help illustrate the enduring memories of people’s loved ones as well as encouraging more people to donate.

Lorraine, who’s mother was cared for by Bolton Hospice, said: “A year ago we said goodbye to my mum, Glenise. 

“She had been so poorly with her bowel cancer that she was given just a couple of days to live, but we moved her to the hospice where she lived for another 17 days.

Lorraine with mum Glenise (Image: Bolton Hospice)

“Family was everything to Mum, and so it meant everything to us all to be able to spend what precious time we had left with her in such a special place as Bolton Hospice.

“All of the doctors and nurses were fantastic, and mum’s symptoms and pain started to improve within days of being there. 

“She went from not even being able to lift her head up, to sitting up and talking.”

She added: “One day I even painted her nails, a lasting memory for me, and a moment of normality for mum, who always was very glam.  

“We could visit any time of day or night, and so we took turns staying by her side.

"There wasn’t a minute where she wasn’t with family, from her being admitted to when she died.

“After she died, we were determined to turn our grief into something positive, so we decided to focus on honouring Mum's memory and supporting the hospice. 

“The light up a life appeal is particularly meaningful, as it provides a space for us to remember Mum and connect with others who are remembering their loved ones.

“It’s a lovely way to remember someone you’ve lost, and we don’t want Mum, the life and soul of any family get-together, to be forgotten.”

The team at Bolton Hospice work hard to help residents, and their families enjoy Christmas, while the light up a light appeal will allow people to dedicate a light to their loved ones.

Cheryl, who’s father was cared for by Bolton Hospice says last year’s appeal was truly special.

She said: “My dad was a character. Nicknamed Diamond Dave after his favourite lager served in his favourite pub, he was an expert bricklayer, keen snooker player, and above all, he was a generous, loving, and inspirational person.

Dave was cared for at Bolton Hospice (Image: Bolton Hospice)

“But in March 2020, my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, and was admitted to the hospice on several occasions over the course of three years. 

“Sometimes for a few days and sometimes a few weeks. Dad was always admitted to room 6 – ‘The Hunt Suite’, as we affectionately named it – where he always received the most amazing care. 

“Selfless and compassionate, but not without a healthy amount of banter, smiles and jokes.

“The hospice really is a home from home, with its spacious rooms, beautiful gardens, and friendly faces. 

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“It couldn’t be further from what we expected. Bolton Hospice isn’t a sad place, it’s a peaceful place with so much positivity all around.

“Last year, our first Christmas without Dad, we joined the Light Up a Life appeal and dedicated a light in his memory, something we all felt was a fitting tribute to the man who could always light up a room with his smile, no matter how poorly he was. 

“This year will be no different, we’ll dedicate Dad’s light and feel privileged to be supporting this truly remarkable place.”

The first service, which is an outdoor event with no seating, will be held at Bolton Hospice on December 4 at 6.30pm.

The second will be held at Bolton Parish Church on December 11 at 7pm.
Dedications can be made at boltonhospice.light-up-a-life.org.