27 Nov 2018 Community

Community invited to remember loved ones at Light up a Life this weekend

Kirkwood is getting ready for two special ceremonies this weekend as they prepare to welcome the community to the Hospice for Light up a Life. The annual event will see up to 1,000 visitors gather to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones in the beautiful grounds at Kirkwood.

As Christmas approaches, Kirkwood’s Light up a Life celebrations offer the chance for families to come together to remember loved ones and dedicate a light in their honour on a magnificent Beech tree which stands at the centre of the Hospice’s grounds.

Two ceremonies will take place, on Saturday and Sunday, in the Hospice grounds at 4.30pm. Visitors will gather to hear special readings and music and to watch as the Tree of Lights is illuminated in celebration of loved ones who are no longer with us as the year draws to a close.

Tickets for both events are now completely sold out, however dedications can still be made online or over the phone, with the name of the person or persons being remembered written into Kirkwood’s Book of Lights. The books will be available to view at the Hospice in the New Year.

Conor Mahoney will be attending Light up a Life for the first time this year. He will dedicate a light to his step-mum, Kae, who was cared for by Kirkwood in her final weeks.

Kae Mahoney

 

Conor said: “Last September, I was 17 years old and happily attending Wakefield College. It was during this month that we received the awful news that my step-mum, Kae, had a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Our lives suddenly changed overnight.

“After her diagnosis, Kae’s condition declined rapidly. We received continuous bad news and by the turn of the year, it was apparent that Kae had very little time left. She finally lost her battle at Kirkwood Hospice on Tuesday, 27th March 2018. She was only 44 years young.

“I’m very thankful to Kirkwood for the 5 days that Kae spent at the Hospice. It was the best possible place for her to die. I was overwhelmed with the love and care that was shown to us all, which will stay with me forever. At Kirkwood, it’s not just the doctors and nurses who care for you; everybody else does too.

“Whilst Kae was at the Hospice, we realised that she would not make it to her next birthday, which was the following month. Before she became really poorly, Kae had hoped to celebrate her birthday one final time and she had even planned her party.

“Unfortunately, we knew that this wasn’t going to be possible. My dad and Trish, Kae’s mum, were talking about this one afternoon when a cleaner was in the room carrying out her duties. The cleaner overheard the conversation about how Kae had so desperately wanted one final birthday.

"At Kirkwood, it’s not just the doctors and nurses who care for you; everybody else does too." Conor Mahoney

“Before we knew it, we were informed that Kirkwood would organise a birthday party for Kae so that one of her final wishes could be fulfilled. 20 of Kae’s closest family and friends visited the Hospice to have one final party with her. By this stage, Kae was very poorly and she wasn’t able to open her eyes. However, I know that she was aware of all these people around her who loved her very much.

“Kae was someone who I really looked up to. I could talk to her about anything and her approach to life had a massive influence on me. I miss her terribly. I’ll never forget how Kirkwood looked after us all during a really traumatic time. Christmas was a time that Kae loved and this Christmas will be our first one without her. It will be a difficult time but I look forward to taking part in Light up a Life this year to remember my amazing step-mum.”

To dedicate a light to someone special, click here or call the Fundraising team on: 01484 557911