Christmas comes but once a year – and though memories of lost loved ones are always with us, the festive season also offers a chance to make a special tribute to them and help fund the work of the Garden House Hospice at the same time.

The Letchworth-based hospice, which provides care and support for patients and their families across North Herts and Stevenage, will be holding its annual Lights Of Life service at its Gillison Close headquarters on Sunday, December 6, from 4pm.

Chief executive Sue Plummer said: “Whether or not you have a personal connection with Garden House this offers a very special way to remember those we will be missing at this time of year.”

Ellen Perrier, whose husband was cared for at the hospice earlier this year, will be among those supporting the event.

She said: “Brian and I met when I was just 16 and we shared 39 years of married life together, but on Christmas Eve last year Brian was diagnosed with cancer and given just three months to live.

“Papworth Hospital referred him to Garden House – Brian was very unsure about this, but the staff put us at our ease and made us feel that we had known them for ages.

“One of his last wishes was to go home for a ‘Life of Brian’ party. Thanks to the doctors at the hospice this was made possible and he enjoyed every minute with 150 friends who came from all over the world to see him.

“When Brian passed away in February the staff and volunteers let me have the space to be with him but were nearby in case I needed them.

“I am so glad that his last days were spent in a safe and secure place.

“I miss him every day, we were meant to be together in old age, but I am grateful that if you have to die there is a place like Garden House. “I will be dedicating a light and attending the service to feel close to Brian and also near to others who have been through the same thing.”

If you’d like to make a dedication complete the form and return it to Garden House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth SG6 1QU.

The names of those you wish to remember will be placed on a star that will be hung at the hospice, and you will be sent a star to keep as a memento of your dedication.