Christmas is a magical time of the year but not everyone will be celebrating the festive season. Last year Fiona Hilderley was remembering her mum, who had died just a few weeks previously at LOROS Hospice.
“Christmas last year was hard. In 33 years’, I’d never had Christmas Day without my Mum. It hurt that much I ended up taking my tree down Christmas Day afternoon, it was a relief to me that the day was nearly over,” said Fiona.
This year Fiona and her two daughters, Millie aged 13 and Imogen aged 7, are supporting the charity’s Light Up a Life campaign, to raise funds to help families like hers this Christmas.
“This year, thanks to the counselling I have had from LOROS to come to terms with the death of my mum and the support of my friends, I’ve managed to rebuild a new life and I plan to make this Christmas and every other Christmas as special as I can in honour of my wonderful Mum.”
Fiona’s experiences of the hospice were so positive she wants others to benefit from their care.
“I’d heard of the Hospice of course, being from Leicestershire, but until the time came I never knew how special it really was. LOROS gave me guidance and support when my life was falling apart and I needed it most.
“I have lots of special memories. The nurses helping my Mum to celebrate my daughter’s 6th birthday with a mini party on the ward – my daughter was even skating around her bed with her new roller-skates. Or the beer they brought my mum whilst we were listening to a Leicester City match on the radio. Such kindness.”
The family will be helping to switch on the LOROS Christmas lights at the annual Light Up a Life Christmas service, which will be streamed online via Facebook and YouTube at 5pm on Sunday 5th December. They are urging supporters to donate to the Light Up a Life campaign.
Lisa Wilson, Fundraising Coordinator at LOROS Hospice said: “We’re delighted to have been there to support Fiona and her family when she most needed it. We know there are a lot of people for whom Christmas is a painful and difficult time. We hope our online service and dedicating a light on our virtual Christmas tree in their memory, offer people the support they need during the festive season.”
Fiona added: “I will support LOROS in any way I can. I want to help other families, going through an emotional journey like no other, to make sure they get those final memories with their loved ones. I want them to access the support and guidance I received so they can help rebuild their own lives.”
To support the Light Up a Life campaign, and add a light to our virtual Christmas tree in memory of your loved one, please visit loros.co.uk/LUAL
