25th January 2023
Supporters raise £19K in Light up a Life appeal
Supporters got behind Nottinghamshire Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal this winter, raising an impressive £19,000.
The appeal, which ran through November and December, encouraged people to make a donation in memory of someone special, share a dedication on an online tree, and attend a Light up a Life event to remember loved ones.
They could also donate £350 – the cost of a night of care – to light up the hospice’s historic cupola tower for a night in a colour of their choice, to celebrate the life of someone special.
Family and friends of Ian Roper from Sutton-in-Ashfield chose to light the tower purple in his memory and as a thank you for his care.
Ian and Kathleen
Ian, pictured above with his wife Kathleen, was referred to the hospice last July when Kathleen began to struggle to look after him at home. Care from the hospice enabled Ian, who had arthritis, heart problems and prostate cancer, to be at home at the end of his life.
Ian’s daughter Liz said “Mum was really struggling. My sister and I helped as much as we could but when Mum was on her own she was fearful. Initially she didn’t want to admit she needed help but when the hospice team came they were wonderful.
“The people who came were superb. They were lovely with my dad and skilled at making him comfortable.
“It was so reassuring for Mum. It gave her rest and meant she could sleep through the night.
“The hospice care was instrumental in allowing him to stay at home which was where he wanted to be. Having Dad home at the end of his life was the right thing to do. It helped the grieving process because we know we did our best to give him a peaceful end to his life.”
The family raised £1,500 through funeral donations and Kathleen, Liz and her sister Helen came to the hospice to see the tower lit. They chose purple, his favourite colour.
Nottingham City Council also supported the appeal by lighting up the council house purple on one of the days.
Claire Herrick, Head of Fundraising at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who chose to support our appeal. Donations mean we can continue to provide crucial care to help families like Ian’s when they need us. With our help, more people with life limiting illnesses will be able to die in comfort, at home, surrounded by loved ones.”