A widower in the South West is paying tribute to his late wife while encouraging others to honour the people they hold dear.
The Somerset man, who made a promise to his late wife that he would never forget her, is supporting St Margaret’s Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal, which aims to raise £50,000 for hospice care.
The annual appeal invites people across the county to make a dedication in memory of someone special, while helping to fund care for patients and families in need.
John Bell met his wife Tina when they were students and spent nearly 40 years together.
Her final request to her husband before she died of terminal stomach cancer was: "When I'm dead, don't forget me."
John has honoured her memory in many ways, including dedicating a leaf on the Memory Tree at St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil and supporting the Light up a Life appeal.
Tina received care at the hospice’s Sunflower Centre, where she found friendship, laughter, and activities she enjoyed during her illness.
John said: "When I came to pick her up, all I could hear was laughter.
"It just wasn’t what I expected at all."
Read more
Cheddar Gorge Santa Abseil returns to raise funds for hospice care
Brean country music festival raises over £3,000 for Somerset hospice
Young advocate wins Centrepoint Award for her work to change the care system
The hospice’s community nursing team later helped manage Tina’s symptoms, enabling her to remain at home, surrounded by family.
She died peacefully at home, something for which John remains deeply grateful.
St Margaret’s Hospice hopes to raise £50,000 through the Light up a Life appeal, which could fund the equivalent of more than 650 home nursing visits.
Hannah Roberts, head of fundraising at St Margaret’s Hospice, said: "Light up a Life is about remembering the people who have shaped our lives and finding ways to keep their memories close.
"You don't need to have a connection to St Margaret's to take part.
"Whether you're remembering someone who died recently or many years ago, everyone is welcome.
"By making a dedication and a donation, people can remember someone special while helping us provide care and support for more families like John and Tina."
St Margaret’s is also inviting people to take part in two remembrance gatherings, at St John’s Church in Yeovil on Sunday, November 29, and at Rumwell Farm Shop & Café near Taunton on Thursday, December 3.
A special online remembrance service will be available from 4pm on Sunday, December 13.
People can make a donation online, at participating shops, or by contacting St Margaret's Hospice directly.
Share