Light up a Life

Join us this festive season and let your loved one’s light shine bright.

Light up a Life invites you to celebrate the people you love and miss by taking some time out at the busiest time of year to reflect and remember.

Everyone is welcome to join in and remember someone in this special way, whether or not you have a connection to St Vincent’s Hospice. We hope that taking part in Light up a Life will give you some peace and comfort this winter.

Light up a Life offers an uplifting and meaningful way to remember family and friends who are no longer with us whilst supporting the care we provide at St Vincent’s Hospice.

Dedicate a light to your loved ones, share what they mean to you and see your dedication proudly featured on our online dedication page.

Make Your Dedication

Light up a Life Event

Join us at our special Light Up a Life event, taking place at Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church Street, Johnstone PA5 8EG, on Sunday 6th December at 5pm, to remember your loved ones whilst supporting your local hospice.

Our 45-minute service will include readings and vocal performances. Tea and coffee will be offered afterwards. Christmas cards and other retail items will also be available for you to purchase on the evening.

This is a free event and there is no need to pre-register for the event, you are more than welcome to just come a long on the night.

Make Your Dedication Donate

James & Annmarie’s Story

“I honestly thought it was too late.”

With support from St Vincent’s Hospice, James and Annmarie got the wedding day they thought they’d never have.

Your gift today can bring comfort in the darkest days, hope when it feels lost, and precious moments families will treasure forever.

“The hospice carried me through my darkest days. They gave me strength, friendship, and hope when I needed it most.”

When James was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, his world changed overnight.

“I think, like a lot of people, I was frightened about what was ahead of me.”

At first, nurses from St Vincent’s Hospice visited James at home, helping manage his symptoms and bringing comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

But what James found at the hospice was so much more than medical care.

“I found friendship, reassurance, laughter, and people who genuinely cared about me and my family.”

Soon after, James began attending hospice day services.

“To be honest, at first, I didn’t think it would be for me. ‘I don’t think I’d fit in with the group here.”

But he couldn’t have been more wrong.

“Once I started going regularly, I never looked back. I made great friends there and found real strength in being around people who understood what I was going through.”

As James’ illness progressed, everyday life became harder and harder.

The stairs in James’ flat became almost impossible to manage and he was struggling more every day.

But St Vincent’s Hospice never gave up on him.

The hospice team helped James access practical support, mobility equipment, benefits advice, housing support and emotional care – helping him and Ann Marie navigate some of the hardest days of their lives.

“The thought of becoming trapped in my own home felt unbearable.”

As James’ mobility worsened, the hospice team stepped in again – helping him secure a new accessible home after a long wait.

“This will change my life.”

Then came something else that changed everything: an electric wheelchair.

“It feels like I have so much to look forward to again.”

The hospice also helped James and Annmarie through difficult conversations about the future – including legal affairs, practical planning and emotional support.

But then they did something James never believed would still be possible.

“One of the most special things they did for us was help arrange our wedding.”

For years, James had talked about marrying Ann Marie.

But deep down, he thought they had run out of time.

“I had always talked about marrying Ann Marie, but I honestly thought it was too late.”

On 20th November 2025, James and Annmarie were married in the hospice lounge, surrounded by those closest to them. It was a truly beautiful and special day, filled with love, happiness and memories they will treasure forever.

“It became one of the happiest days of our lives.”

James often described St Vincent’s Hospice as another big family.

James sadly died on 1 January 2026, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

But even after his death, the support from St Vincent’s Hospice continued for Annmarie through bereavement support, guidance and compassion during the darkest days of grief.

Your support makes moments like these possible 💙

For James and Annmarie, St Vincent’s Hospice was so much more than medical care. It brought comfort through the hardest days, friendship when it was needed most, and helped make one of their most precious moments possible – their wedding day.

Even after James sadly passed away, the hospice continued to support Annmarie through her grief.

Care at St Vincent’s Hospice is free for families, but it’s only possible thanks to the generosity of people like you.

This Winter, your gift can help ensure:

Families feel supported through the uncertainty and fear of a terminal illness.
Patients and their loved ones receive compassionate care, practical help and emotional support.
Precious moments can still happen, even in the most difficult circumstances.
No one has to face the hardest days of life alone.

Please give today and help St Vincent’s Hospice continue to be there for families when they need it most.

Here’s how your gift can help

£25 could fund a one-to-one counselling session for a patient or family member.
£50 could help provide vital medical supplies for pain relief and comfort.
£100 could contribute towards a day of specialist nursing care.

Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for helping families find comfort, compassion and support this Winter.

A message from Annmarie

“St Vincent’s was James’ lifeline.

Living with terminal cancer was made so much better because of the unconditional support he received.

It gave him a far better quality of life – and that meant everything to us.

The nurses were excellent. Every one of them helped us get through each day.

They were so caring and helpful and always found a way to make us laugh.

We honestly can’t thank everyone enough for the difference they made to both our lives.”

Whether you can give a little or a lot, please know this: your kindness can help families like James and Annmarie find comfort, compassion and support through the hardest days – and make precious moments possible when they matter most.

If you have any questions or would prefer to donate over the phone, our Fundraising Team is here to help on 01505 705635.

With love and gratitude,