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A Newry family whose mum was cared for by Evora Hospice is encouraging local families to remember someone special this Christmas through the hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal. The McCann family will join the hospice community at the Light Up a Life ceremony at Evora Hospice grounds, Courtney Hill, Newry, on Thursday 10 December at 7.30pm to remember their mum, Gwyneth. It's their way of paying tribute to the hospice staff they describe as “earth’s angels”.
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Evora Hospice is inviting everyone in the community to dedicate a light in memory of someone they miss or in celebration of someone special in their life today. The person being remembered or celebrated does not need to have had any connection with the hospice, and everyone is welcome to take part.
Gwyneth McCann was described by her family as a bubbly, outgoing woman with a wonderful personality. She was diagnosed with cancer for the third time at 56 years old, after previously battling both lung and breast cancer. This time the cancer was terminal and had returned in the lung, spreading to the bottom of her spine.
Alongside her appointments with the GP, Gwyneth received support from Evora Hospice, which already held a special place in the family’s heart as her father had received inpatient care there before passing away in 1997. She spent time in the hospice on two occasions for symptom management. The McCann family said the experience changed their understanding of hospice care, which they came to see as not about giving up hope but about managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life and supporting loved ones through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Speaking about her mother’s time in the hospice, Gwyneth’s daughter Louise said: “Watching someone you love become unwell is one of the hardest things a family can experience. There is so much that you cannot fix, and so many times when you feel completely helpless.
“The hospice staff gave us reassurance when we needed it most. They answered our questions, listened to our worries and supported not only mum, but all of us around her.”
The family particularly remembered one visit when Gwyneth paid tribute to the hospice staff, saying: “These nurses and doctors in here are earth’s angels, they can’t do enough for me; and everything’s done straight away.”
During Gwyneth’s time in the hospice, the family received support from its Chaplaincy team, who arranged for their parish priest to visit. They were also made aware of counselling and hospice at home support, which family members have since availed of after Gwyneth’s passing.
The family added: “We will always be grateful to everyone who cared for her. A kind word, a gentle touch, taking the time to listen or explaining something when a family is frightened may seem like small things, but to someone going through the hardest time of their life, they mean everything. We will forever be grateful that mum had the opportunity to experience that care.”
Supporters can dedicate a light on the hospice Christmas tree in memory of someone special, while helping Evora Hospice continue providing care and support to people living with a life-limiting illness due to a palliative condition, those caring for them and families experiencing bereavement grief. The Light Up a Life ceremonies give families and the wider community the chance to reflect on cherished memories and celebrate the lives of those who remain important to them. Supporters can also dedicate a light on the hospice’s virtual Christmas tree, where they can share a treasured memory, photograph or special message to their loved one.
It will cost approximately £6 million to run Evora Hospice this year, with 65%, or approximately £4 million, raised through fundraising. Support through appeals such as Light Up a Life helps the hospice continue to provide care, comfort and support for local families.
Families and friends are invited to join the community as the trees are illuminated at Light Up a Life services at Mid Ulster Council Offices, Dungannon, on Wednesday 25 November at 10am, at Craigavon Civic Centre on Tuesday 8 December at 12pm, and at Evora Hospice grounds, Courtney Hill, Newry, on Thursday 10 December at 7.30pm.
The Newry ceremony takes place outdoors. Parking will be available at the primary school opposite the hospice, so people are asked to wrap up warmly. The Light Up a Life campaign is sponsored by Killowen Contracts & Gordons Chemists.
To dedicate a light, support the Light Up a Life appeal or find out more about the ceremonies this Christmas, visit www.evorahospice.org or call 028 3026 7711
