7 Oct 2026 Community

John keeps his wife’s memory shining through Light up a Life

For John Tatchell remembering his beloved wife Patricia Anne Tatchell through The Kirkwood’s Light up a Life campaign has become an important tradition, one he has kept every year since she died a decade ago.

John’s wife passed away on 1st May 2016. In the difficult months that followed, John found himself struggling with his grief and unable to find the bereavement support he needed. That was when he reached out to The Kirkwood.

He said: “After my wife passed away, I struggled to find bereavement counselling, I contacted The Kirkwood and they very kindly stepped in to offer me counselling, which I found beneficial. I also attended a few group sessions. The counselling was outstanding and it really did help me to rebuild my life. It helped me build up my confidence to venture out again, which was something I just wasn’t able to do in those early stages.”

Before receiving counselling, John’s connection with The Kirkwood had mainly been as a supporter, playing the Lottery, buying draw tickets and making occasional donations. He was also aware of the difference The Kirkwood’s care could make after one of his cousins was cared for during the final days of her life. He continued: “My cousin spent her final few days receiving care from The Kirkwood and the care she received was impeccable.”

But it was after the death of his wife that John experienced for himself the wider support The Kirkwood provides for people affected by a life limiting illness, including those coming to terms with the loss of someone they love. Ten years on, his wife remains at the heart of everything he does. He said: “She was my whole life really, I like to remember her each year through The Kirkwood’s Light up a Life campaign and I’ve never missed a year. For me, Light up a Life is a wonderful way to show the whole world just how much you love someone who has died.”

Light up a Life gives people across Kirklees and beyond an opportunity to remember someone special during the festive period. Supporters can dedicate a light in their loved one’s memory and create an online dedication featuring a personal message and photograph. Those making a dedication will also receive a special card bearing their loved one’s name. This year, Light up a Life events will take place on Saturday 5th December at 5pm and Sunday 6th December at 5pm in The Kirkwood Gardens in Dalton. A further service will be held at Longcauseway Church in Dewsbury at 10am on Sunday 6th December. The events will feature readings, music and time for reflection, culminating in the lighting of the tree, with each light shining in memory of someone special.

Although John has never attended a Light up a Life event in person, that could change this year. He said: “I haven’t attended a Light up a Life event before, but my circumstances have changed from what they once were. I’ve given serious thought to attending a service and other events in the future.”

For those who cannot attend in person, there are still opportunities to be part of Light up a Life from home. The Sunday evening event on 6th December will be streamed online, while supporters can also request a home pack to help them take part.

A decade after the pain of his wife dying, John remains incredibly grateful for the support he received when he needed it most. And just as he has done every year since her death, he plans to continue supporting The Kirkwood and remembering the woman who meant so much to him.

John added: “I think what The Kirkwood does is amazing. The staff work tirelessly to provide the best possible care and support for people when they need it. I will continue to support The Kirkwood as best I can, whether that’s through the raffles or in other ways. After the support I received, it’s something that means a great deal to me.”

This December, you can join John and hundreds of others by dedicating a light in memory of someone special through The Kirkwood’s Light up a Life campaign. Every light represents a person who is loved, missed and remembered and ensures their memory continues to shine.

If you'd like to make a dedication like John then please click the link HERE!