Brenda’s Story
This year’s Light Up a Life service will take place on Thursday 5th December here at St Joseph’s Hospice. Hear from long-time supporter Brenda about her connection with the Hospice and why she attends Light Up a Life each year.
Light Up a Life is our annual remembrance service, taking place at the Hospice each December. It’s a special evening where our community comes together to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, with music, readings and the switching on of our Remembrance Tree, where each twinkling light represents the life of someone much loved and missed.
Brenda has supported Light Up a Life for many years. Read her story in her words:
“St Joseph’s Hospice has been there for as long as I can remember, and I attend Light Up a Life each year. I’ve spent my whole life living in and around Hackney and Victoria Park, and St Joseph’s has always been there.
However, it was only in my later years, when my dear friends had to go there for hospice care, that I actually went in to the Hospice. I found a warm, friendly place with nurses who work so hard, and with such compassion and dedication. I’ve been going to Light Up a Life for many years now. It’s always a special moment in my year, just before Christmas. I love that we’re a big group of strangers but we’re a proper community who are all there for the same reasons, sharing this special time together. And I’ll be at the service again this year.
I donate what I can at this time of the year. because I’ve seen the care, time and attention that my friends received at the Hospice. I’d like everyone to be able to have the same wonderful care when they need it.”
Pictured: Light Up a Life supporter, Brenda
Light Up a Life 2024
This year, Light Up a Life will take place on Thursday 5th December from 7pm at St Joseph’s Hospice, Mare Street, Hackney, E8 4SA. It is completely free to attend, and open to anyone who has lost someone, no matter when it was or if they were cared for at the Hospice. If you are unable to attend, the service will be available to watch online afterwards, and we encourage you to still dedicate a light on the tree if you wish to. You can also make a donation to help us keep providing our care to people in East London facing a life-limiting diagnosis.