This festive season, Rowcroft Hospice is inviting everyone to take part in its ‘Light up a Life’ celebration by dedicating a light on Rowcroft’s ‘Tree of Light’ to honour and remember the lives of loved ones lost.
Janie Waring will be dedicating a light for her husband James who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2009, just three weeks after getting married at the age of 38. Father to little Harriet, James underwent seven rounds of surgery but the tumours sadly kept recurring and in January 2012 James’ active treatment was stopped. It was then that the family turned to Rowcroft for support through James’ final year of life.
“Rowcroft was always on the end of the phone when things felt a bit frightening, and a team of absolute angels would descend when I just couldn’t manage on my own,” said Janie. “Always happy and smiling and putting everyone at ease, bringing light into the house.
“It was James’ favourite Rowcroft nurse who sat with him the night he passed away on 7 December 2012. She held space for the family and held my hand in those final hours and beyond. No one could have timed it better; it was as though it was meant to be.
“No one can ever prepare you for such difficult times, but when things got tough, Rowcroft was there for us all. I’m forever grateful for all that Rowcroft do and feel so privileged to be given the opportunity to tell our story and support the Light up a Life campaign 2022, so that James’ light can keep on shining.”
Rowcroft’s Light up a Life campaign is for everyone wishing to remember a loved one, not just families cared for by Rowcroft. Throughout November and December, you can make a dedication in memory of a loved one and with a small donation to Rowcroft, you can help the hospice to care for local patients and families who are facing the hardest times imaginable this Christmas.
Rowcroft’s In Memory Giving and Legacy ManagerRebecca Cogger said: “Our Light up a Life celebration invites you to dedicate a light on our ‘Tree of Light’ in memory of those special people who shine brightly in your heart and who are truly missed every day. Everyone who makes a dedication will be invited to our wonderful celebration in the grounds of the hospice on Sunday 4 December – where there will be poignant readings, moving poems, soothing music, quiet time for reflection, and when the Tree of Light will be illuminated.
“Your dedication enables you to celebrate the life of a loved one, and at the same time to make a real difference to the lives of so many local patients and families needing Rowcroft’s expert care and support this Christmas. With the current financial pressures in the UK affecting our donations, as a charity we need your support more than ever.”
Rowcroft’s Light up a Life event is generously sponsored by Wollens Solicitors of Torquay. Chris Hart, Chief Executive of Wollens, said:
“Wollens are delighted to support Light up a Life again in 2022. We recognise that the Tree of Life is the perfect way to remember a loved one lost. The team at Rowcroft deliver remarkable work across South Devon and we are hugely grateful for all that they do.”
Rowcroft provides specialist nursing care, advice and support to people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon, helping to make every day the best day possible. The charity also offers much-needed comfort and emotional support for bereaved families. While the hospice has a small Inpatient Unit in Torquay, around 80% of Rowcroft’s patients are cared for in their own homes as per their wishes.
To find out more about Light up a Life or to make a dedication, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/light or telephone: 01803 217642.
