Light Up A Life

Dedicate a star in memory of a loved one in support of the St Margaret's Hospice Light up a Life appeal.'

Dedicate a star

For many of us, the festive season is a time to gather with loved ones, while remembering those you miss so much. We know this time of year can feel daunting if you have lost someone dear to you. We’d like to invite you to join us in remembering your loved ones by dedicating a star in their memory in support of the St Margaret’s Hospice Light up a Life appeal.  

By making a dedication, you will help us support more families in Somerset – people like Kath, Jack and Rob, who were supported by St Margaret’s in 2024 following Rob’s cancer diagnosis.   

 

Kath & Jack’s story

Rob's family describe him as chatty, warm, and endlessly curious – his greatest fascination was the stars. That connection to the night sky inspired his wife, Kath, and their son, Jack, to share their story in support of Light up a Life.

Kath & Jack

Kath & Jack

From the moment Kath and Rob met, their connection was effortless and full of joy. Their 24 years together were marked by spontaneity, impromptu camping trips, music, and simple pleasures that made every day an adventure. Rob’s fascination with the night sky and his love of the stars became a lasting symbol for his family, one that now guides their memories and inspires them to support others through the Light Up a Life appeal, dedicating stars in honour of those who have passed. 

When Rob’s health declined after a lung cancer diagnosis, the family found comfort and strength through the compassionate care at St Margaret’s Hospice. The hospice became a place of peace where Rob could relax, and Kath and Jack could simply be together as a family again. It was there that they shared laughter, tenderness, and in one of the most poignant moments, their wedding day. With the help of the hospice team, Kath and Rob married in a room filled with joy, laughter, and love, creating a precious memory that captured their bond and Rob’s enduring spirit. Even as his illness progressed, Rob’s light never dimmed. His fascination with the stars continues to shine through Kath and Jack, who now carry forward his legacy by fundraising and dedicating a star in his name – a symbol of love that, like Rob himself, will never fade from their sky.

Click here to read their full story here.

Dedicate a star today

£25

could help pay for family members like Kath and Jack to spend a night in our hospice Sunflower Suite, so they can stay as close as possible to their loved one

£63

could pay for a counselling session with our Bereavement Support Team, giving someone the space to share their grief in a safe, supportive environment.

£75

could pay for a home visit by a Community Nurse, helping to care for a patient in their own home.

£125

could pay for three hours of specialist care on our In-Patient Unit for someone like Rob.

Join us to Light up a Life this December

As part of this year’s Light up a Life appeal, we invite you to come together in remembrance at one of our special gatherings. Whether you’re reflecting quietly or sharing memories with others, these events offer comfort and connection to anyone missing a loved one.

Yes, anyone can take part in Light up a Life, regardless of whether they have a personal connection to St Margaret’s. 

Yes, you can make as many dedications as you like. We hope this is a special and meaningful way to remember your loved ones during the festive season. 

This year, we will record our remembrance service at St John’s Church in Yeovil. If you make your dedication by Friday 5 December, your loved one’s name will be included in our Light up a Life remembrance service video, which will be available to watch on our website from Sunday 14 December. Please let our Supporter Care team know if you do not want your loved one’s name included in the video: T: 01935 709485, E: [email protected]     

As a thank you for supporting our work in this meaningful way, we will send you a special Light up a Life keepsake decoration and a dedication card with the names of those you are remembering. We will also add your loved one’s name to our commemorative Book of Remembrance. Please let our Supporter Care team know if you do not want your loved one’s name to be added to our Book of Remembrance: T: 01935 709485, E: [email protected]    

It would be very helpful for our team if you could let us know you’d like to attend, so we can ensure there is enough seating and refreshments, and to help us ensure accessibility requirements have been met. Thank you so much in advance. 

If you received a Light up a Life pack in the post and returned your Memory Star(s) to us, we will display them on our Christmas trees at our Taunton or Yeovil hospice hub. You are very welcome to visit your stars anytime during the festive season. If you didn’t send your stars back to us, you are very welcome to visit our hospices and place them on the tree. 

We will not send candles in return for dedications this year; however, if you attend one of our remembrance gatherings, you will be invited to light a candle in memory of your loved one. 

Dedicate a star

Dedicate a star in memory of a loved one. You can personalise your online dedication by adding a photo and personal message. Your dedication will help us continue our vital work across Somerset, caring for patients and their loved ones when it matters most.