A mother whose son received Ashgate Hospice’s “compassionate” care at the end of his life is backing the hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal in his memory.

Lyn Horan and her family from Bradwell will be dedicating a star in memory of her son, Matty Horan, who sadly died last year, aged 43.

Matty, a devoted husband to Laura and loving father to Connor and Rosie, had received the heartbreaking news shortly before Christmas 2021 that he had been diagnosed with appendiceal cancer.

He was later cared for at home and on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit during his final days.

Lyn said: “We were devastated when he became unwell, but he was so strong and brave right up to the day he died.

“It was the hardest time of our lives, but we had the hospice there to support us. I don’t know how we would have coped at home.”

Lyn and her family will be backing the hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal, sponsored by Harrold Lilleker & Sons Ltd, which aims to raise funds so future patients can access the same support Matty did when they need it most.

As part of the appeal, the hospice is inviting families to remember the life of someone special by dedicating a star in the hospice’s virtual night sky.

For a suggested donation of £25, supporters can dedicate a star in memory of someone special. Once their dedication has been made they will receive an invitation to the hospice’s lantern procession and ceremony at the hospice on Sunday 3rd December 2023.

Lyn added: “The hospice’s care was just amazing and so compassionate. They gave Matty the best care possible both at home and in the hospice and were there for us along the way.

“As soon as Matty was admitted, the doctors and nurses took all the pressures away from us and we knew he would be given the best care.

“Everyone we had contact with treated Matty with so much respect and dignity and were so caring to all of us.”

In addition to the Light up a Life service at the hospice, there are other events that supporters of the appeal are invited to attend.

The first of these is a lively celebration at the hospice’s Christmas Carol Service on Thursday 14th December at 7pm at the Crooked Spire.

There are also some local remembrance services happening on behalf of the hospice, including ones at:

• St Bartholomew’s Church (Wednesday 6th December at 6.30pm, S41 9QP)
• Hasland Baptist Church (Sunday 10th December at 2.30pm, S41 0PF)
• St Thomas’ Church (Sunday 10th December at 4.30pm, S40 3AW)

Amy Buxton, Individual Giving Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “When you dedicate a star to someone you love, you will be helping raise the money we need to fund our crucial services.

“Your donation will stand as a tribute to the memory of your loved one, whilst supporting local families living with life-limiting illnesses.

“Our care does not end after a loved one has died, and through your support we can continue to be there when it matters the most.”

Support the hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal and dedicate a star in memory of your loved one.