A Tullylish man whose mother was cared for by Evora Hospice is encouraging local families to remember or celebrate someone special this Christmas through the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life appeal.
This Christmas, Evora Hospice is inviting everyone in the community to take part in Light Up a Life by dedicating a light in memory of someone they miss or in celebration of someone special in their life today. The person being remembered or celebrated does not need to have had any connection with Evora Hospice. Everyone is welcome to take part and dedicate a light to someone who is special to them.
Mark Douglas is supporting the appeal in memory of his much-loved mum Margaret, whose family experienced first-hand the care and compassion provided by Evora Hospice.
Described as a hardworking and confident woman who loved fashion and took great pride in her appearance, Margaret Douglas was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
When Margaret was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009, she was initially given just a few months to live. Showing incredible strength and determination, she lived for more than a year beyond that prognosis, giving her precious extra time with her family and the opportunity to meet two of her grandchildren.
Margaret stayed at Evora Hospice twice. During her final stay, hospice staff helped Mark’s sister, who had recently given birth, bring her newborn baby boy in to meet his grandmother for the very first time.
“It was a precious moment for all of our family,” said Mark.
After her second short stay Margaret passed away surrounded by her family and cared for by the staff of Evora Hospice.
“Mum felt safe in the hospice. It was an oasis of peace and comfort when she needed it most,” Mark said, “she particularly appreciated the chaplaincy team and the support she received from their ministry. After her first stay, she knew it was where she wanted to be when the time came.”
Christmas remains a particularly poignant time for Mark and his family to remember Margaret. Inspired by his mum’s creative side, Mark has also made and sold his own Christmas cards to raise funds for Evora Hospice in her memory.
Now, by sharing Margaret’s story, he hopes to encourage other families to remember someone special through Light Up a Life and help ensure that local people and their families can continue to receive the same care and compassion his family experienced.
“Having experienced the care Evora Hospice provides first-hand, I know how important it is to families facing some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Mark.
“The kindness and compassion shown to mum, and the support given to all of us during those final days, are something I will always be grateful for. For me, remembering Mum and supporting the hospice go hand in hand. I hope that by sharing her story, other people will think about the person they would like to remember this Christmas and consider dedicating a light in their memory.”
Supporters can dedicate a light on the hospice Christmas tree in memory of someone special, while helping Evora Hospice continue providing specialist care and support to people living with a life-limiting illness, those caring for them and families experiencing bereavement.
The annual Light Up a Life ceremony will take place on Tuesday 8th December at 12.00pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, bringing families and the wider community together to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of the people who remain so important to them.
Supporters can also dedicate a light on the hospice’s virtual Christmas tree, where they can share a treasured memory, photograph or special message to their loved one.
This year it will cost approximately £6 million to run Evora Hospice, with around 65%, approximately £4 million, needing to be raised through community fundraising.
Support through appeals such as Light Up a Life helps the hospice continue to be there for local families, providing care, comfort and support when they need it most.
For Mark, that support means helping another family experience the same compassion that surrounded his mum and his family during her final days.
“Mum will always be part of our Christmas,” he said. “Light Up a Life is a lovely way for families to take a moment, remember someone they love and know that their memory is also helping the hospice be there for others.”
To dedicate a light, support the Light Up a Life appeal or find out more about the ceremony, visit www.evorahospice.org, call 028 3026 7711
