Light up a Life is our annual opportunity to dedicate a light to remember someone special, while supporting your local hospice. Our events bring love, comfort and hope to our community, and to Saint Michael’s, each Christmas.
Portia’s Story
Portia Crewe, who has taken part in Light up a Life since 2015 while remembering her dad, Bill, shares her experience:
“Knowing that I can take a moment to remember my dad BiIl at Christmas, while supporting hospice care makes Light up a Life so special. Placing the star I dedicated to him on our Christmas tree helped in feeling like he was there, watching over us all.
“My mum, sister and I came for the first time in 2015, not knowing what to expect, and it was so poignant that we haven’t missed a service since. The songs, words and togetherness that the service brings makes me so warm within that moment that nothing else can compare.
“Since attending the first time, several friends and family now join us, and it has become a staple within our family’s calendar. As the service usually happens around my dad’s anniversary, everything feels so fitting as it allows us that time to remember my dad, surrounded by others who are also remembering their loved ones.
“Nobody made me laugh like my dad did. He was always the loudest in the room at any party. He would make anyone feel welcome and whether you had known him five minutes, or five years, you always felt valued and appreciated by him. He was a genuine, caring, funny man who had the biggest smile.
“Saint Michael’s has always been there for my family, and we do what we can to support them in helping other families. Supporting the hospice in my dad’s name makes me feel like dad’s memory lives on. Every day I miss him, but I will always remember him.”
Find out more about Light up a Life, including our event dates and locations, on our Light up a Life page.
Dedicate your light on our online Christmas tree
We warmly invite you to visit our virtual Christmas tree, read our community’s poignant tributes and add your own special light if you wish: https://visufund.com/saint-michaels-light-up-a-life-2022
Following your dedication, you’ll receive a card in the post handwritten by our volunteers. It includes a beautiful star where you can write your tribute before placing it upon our hospice Christmas tree at one of our services, or your own tree at home. We hope this special opportunity to help your loved ones’ memories shine on brings love, comfort and hope this Christmas.
You can join our special remembrance services as follows:
Sunday December 4 at 3.30pm- Ripon Cathedral
Sunday December 11 at 4pm- Saint Michael’s Crimple House Hospice
Friday November 25 at 6.30pm- St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge and other special
community-led services will also be taking place across the Harrogate district. See details on our Light up a Life page.
