By Joshua Robinson – 

Last weekend, hundreds of people from across Kirklees and beyond joined The Kirkwood for two Light up a Life event, dedicating a light in memory of loved ones.

Light up a Life is one of the most emotional events in The Kirkwood’s calendar, bringing hundreds of people together to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one and light a candle in their honour. Last weekend, families and friends joined together around The Kirkwood’s famous Tree of Lights for remembrance.

As The Kirkwood’s tree lit, it was accompanied by a service delivered by Jonathan Sharp, The Kirkwood’s Spiritual Care Co-ordinator, giving people the chance to stop, think, and breathe.

Mince pies and warm drinks were available to all following the event, as were Christmas trinkets and ornaments from The Kirkwood’s retail team.

Siobhan Smith came along to remember her mum, Moira, who was cared for by The Kirkwood earlier this year before she sadly passed away in the In-Patient Unit.

Siobhan said: “The Kirkwood team are amazing. This was my first time coming to the service and I found it really comforting. It’s nice to remember my mum, especially at this time of year. She was here for six weeks and died of cancer. I can’t thank The Kirkwood staff enough for how they cared for her.”

Cath Lee also joined hundreds of others in The Kirkwood gardens. She came to remember her partner, Alan, who died in September this year.

Cath said: “I have never been part of Light Up A Life before, but I wanted to come this weekend to remember Alan. The care he received was faultless.”

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Pauline Fisher dedicated a light in memory of her husband and said: “I am here to remember my husband, Brian. He died at home four years ago on the 9th December, but he received care from The Kirkwood team. This was our third time attending Light up a Life and it’s just a fantastic event, it’s magical. It is nice to come back and remember the ones you love.”

Gaynor Gulaiczuk also attended the service and said: “I lost my partner Keith Doddson in February due to cancer and The Kirkwood cared for him. The staff were marvellous and when I received the letter asking if I’d like to light a candle in his memory it was something I always wanted to come and do. It was a beautiful service and I’m so glad I came.”

Dawn, Suzzie, Ann, and Julie came to remember their loving father and grandfather, Matthew Fawcett, who died only a few weeks ago at the age of 89 having been cared for by The Kirkwood.

“The Kirkwood staff are like angels, and Light up a Life is such a lovely thing to do to help remember loved ones. The Kirkwood are so important to people all across Kirklees and we have found that out recently.”

“If we had a message to anyone whose friend or family member was affected by life limiting illnesses to be cared for and needing somewhere to see out their final moments of their life, then The Kirkwood are amazing. They give people the chance to die in a peaceful, respectful and comfortable environment.”

The Kirkwood would like to thank this year’s Light up a Life appeal sponsor, Wheawill & Sudworth for their continued support and contributions over the years.

The Kirkwood would also like to thank their volunteers for their dedication and support with Light up a Life.

Thanks are also given to all of the supporters, Hade Edge Band, Dewsbury Community Choir, and Mia Millar for performing at this year’s events, Ayre Events for all their technical support, and every everyone who donated mince pies and refreshments for the events.

The Kirkwood’s Tree of Lights will continue to be lit throughout the festive period and into the new year. People can still dedicate a light to someone until Wednesday 20th December.

To make a dedication and support The Kirkwood, please visit: https://kirkwood.light-up-a-life.org/2023