Light Up A Life is Weston Hospicecares annual appeal and sees hundreds of people honour their lost loved ones at Christmas. This year, three specially-organised church services will be led by Weston Hospicecares Chaplain, Karen Murphy, at St Pauls Church in Weston-super-Mare on Monday 7 December.

A special message from Kirsty:

I wanted to share with you my story of how Weston Hospicecare makes a huge difference and why it is so important in our community. In 2014, my mum Lisa Osborne was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, she died at Weston Hospicecares Jackson-Barstow House in 2016.

When mum started being treated by the hospice she told me about the care for her and what support was available to me and the rest of our family. When I first heard the words hospice I was very scared. I thought she would go in and not come back, which I think is a common misunderstanding most people have.

Mum used many of the services on offer to treat her condition. She had community nurses visit her at home, she attended the day services and she was cared for in the Inpatient Unit (IPU) eight times for symptom relief before returning home.

The worst thing was knowing she was in pain. But, knowing the relief the hospice provided eased that worry. Mum dreaded being admitted to the IPU each time but within seconds her worries were relieved by the calming aura of the hospice. The care given to mum wasnt all clinical. I dont think its widely-known that the hospice supports every element of what is an awful time.

One of mums wishes for immediately after her death was to have the window open so her spirit could be free. The nurses on the IPU made sure her wish was fulfilled and it is that level of attention to detail that is truly-remarkable. My brothers, stepdad and I were absolutely devastated when mum died. It tore our world apart. The hospice were there to support us 24/7, and I mean truly 24/7.

Earlier this year, it was an honour to accept a job working within the fundraising team at the hospice. The care given to mum by this incredible place motivates me every second of every day to ensure people in similar circumstances receive the same care.

To cover the costs of the care and support services it offers, the hospice must raise 80% of its annual operating costs through its shops, donations and events like Light up a Life. This means your ongoing support of the hospice is crucial to ensure people who are facing what my mum faced, are cared for in the best way possible. I cannot thank everyone enough who continue to give to this incredible charity. You can help Weston Hospicecare this winter to be there to support more people like my mum and my family.

Make a donation to support Weston Hospicecare and you will be directly supporting the hospices care it offers to people for free your generosity will make a huge difference.

Thank you so much for supporting such a wonderful cause, one that has been there for me every step of the way.