AS Nightingale House prepares for its annual Light Up A Life service, the hospice shares one family's journey.

The Birch family first connected with Nightingale House Hospice in 2018, as Liz Birch's father, David Birch (known as Birchy), a former mechanic, entered the final stages of a nearly two-decade journey with prostate cancer.

Liz recalls how David's final days in the hospice brought comfort and dignity, which became a precious memory for the entire family.

David Birch with his dog Rossi.

David Birch with his dog Rossi.

She said: "For the five to six days he was there, he didn't suffer at all. He was comfortable, and I think that made all the difference for us.

"Nightingale House took the pressure off our family, allowing us to enjoy those last moments with him.

"The hospice provided both physical care and an environment where our loved ones could be together without the worries of daily caregiving."

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Liz remembered a cherished moment when her son, Haydon, then only 10, joined his grandfather to watch a football match on TV with the rest of their family. She said: "He came out saying, 'It's not like a hospital, mum, it's like a hotel'.

"During this very traumatic and upsetting time for our family, Nightingale House made it bearable; it was a place where we could be a family together and share dad's precious last moments."

The Light Up A Life campaign provides the community a unique opportunity to honour loved ones while supporting the hospice's mission.

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Each year, Nightingale House invites families to dedicate a light on their Tree of Lights as a tribute to someone special.

These dedications, showcased in the hospice's Book of Honour, are a way for families to remember loved ones and sustain the essential care provided at Nightingale House. Liz added: "We didn't realise all the support Nightingale House offered until we were here. It's a place where you feel like a human being, not a number.

"The Family Support Team at the hospice were amazing when we were trying to understand our grief. Having someone outside my immediate circle to talk to, who didn't judge, was just massive for me.

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"I'd look forward to our sessions, and they gave me practical ways to help my kids process things in their own way.

"Even though I'd been a teacher for 20 years, it was reassuring to know I was saying the right things in this situation because I'd never had bereavement training.

"It was like I was given a toolkit to manage my own emotions and to support my kids through it."

Liz Birch.

Liz Birch.

Liz's family continues to remember David by actively supporting Nightingale House through various fundraising efforts, including bike ride challenges, taking part in the hospice lottery, attending events and other initiatives.

Lowri Sadler, events fundraiser said: "The Light Up A Life campaign offers a meaningful opportunity for the community to support a local charity that touches the lives of so many during their most challenging times, ensuring that others can receive the same compassionate care.

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"People can support the campaign through a dedication to a loved one on our website or by attending a Light Up A Life service."

• The Light Up A Life main service will take place on Sunday, December 1, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Nightingale House Hospice.

Find out more about how to make a dedication and the Light Up A Life services taking place, on the Nightingale House website: www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/event/light-up-a-life/