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Harrogate hospice nurses share comfort of Light up a Life event

Two nurses from St Michael’s Hospice are sharing the poignancy and comfort of attending the Harrogate hospice’s Light up a Life services.

Harrogate hospice nurses share comfort of Light up a Life event Two nurses from Saint Michael’s Hospice are sharing the poignancy and comfort of attending the Harrogate hospice’s Light up a Life services after working there together for 34 years, ahead of its special remembrance events this December. Trish and Julie joined Saint Michael’s Hospice just weeks apart back in 1989. Both remember the first Light up a Life service that the hospice held over 20 years ago. Since then, they’ve provided patients and their loved ones with end-of-life care, helping people create special moments together at the most important time. Remembrance services will take place on Sunday December 3 at 4pm outside Saint Michael’s Crimple House Hospice on Hornbeam Park in Harrogate, and Sunday December 10 at 3.30pm at Ripon Cathedral.  People are being invited to dedicate a light to remember someone special - you can also call (01423) 878 628. Saint Michael’s Light up a Life services feature heart-warming music, comforting readings and quiet time for reflection alongside the poignant moment where the community’s dedicated lights are illuminated together. Trish and Julie reflect on the care and support they offer at Saint Michael’s Hospice, and how Light up a Life offers families a meaningful opportunity to reflect on special memories:

"We’ve worked together at the hospice for over 34 years, joining only weeks apart from each other back in 1989. While we have seen various changes at the hospice, the one thing that has remained consistent is the love we have for our jobs and the privilege it brings in allowing us to be there for patients and loved ones when they need us most. When asked how we do our jobs, the answer is simple: we feel lucky to work for Saint Michael’s. Being able to provide patients with the end-of-life care they truly deserve, helping them fulfil their last wishes and be as comfortable as possible makes our jobs so meaningful. "We help patients and their loved ones in creating special moments together, from having movie nights, to arranging their pets to stay. We want the hospice to be people’s home from home. After 34 years, there really is nowhere we would rather work. "We both remember the first Light up a Life service over 20 years ago, and it is now firmly established as a staple in Saint Michael’s calendar. This year we welcome you to join us in remembering your loved ones, sharing with us your special moments and in doing so, donating to Saint Michael’s and making a difference in your loved one’s name."
To continue offering care and support in people’s homes across the Harrogate district and from their Crimple House hospice, the charity benefits from the generosity of its community as the majority of Saint Michael’s care and support is funded by them. Tony Collins, Saint Michael’s Chief Executive, said:
“We know how much Light up a Life means to the families we’ve cared for and our wider community, and it means so much to us too. “We treasure every dedication as a special tribute to loved ones, and hugely appreciate the generous gifts which help our community’s lights shine on through our care. “For example, a donation of £34.25 could enable us and our team to provide an hour’s care for a patient at our hospice, helping them feel comfortable and safe at the end of their life.”
You can dedicate a light to remember someone here, or call (01423) 878 628, with the opportunity to add a gift to support Saint Michael’s vital services and share your special memories. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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