I will be attending Light up a Life this year to remember and celebrate Pete’s life.

My husband Pete was a character. He had a big, booming voice; you heard him before you saw him! He was a dog handler with the prison service lots of people in Ebbw Vale will have got used to seeing him and Charlie, his dog, out for walks around the town.

When Pete was taken ill, it was a shock to us both. He was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer which then spread to his pelvis, causing him a lot of pain. Following surgery Pete was discharged from hospital and it was at this point we were advised to contact the hospice. That’s when we first met Kim. She came out and so calmly organised a hospital bed for our home and helped me turn our lounge into Pete’s bedroom. She reassured me that the hospice would be there for Pete and me, whenever we needed them and they were.

Pete stayed positive, and funny. We had friends around most days, and Charlie was constantly by his side, “Charlie keeps me going!” he would say. Kim and the team continued to call just to make sure we were both doing ok.

As Christmas approached Pete was stable and even helped me decorate the Christmas tree (which he had never done before)! Then one morning out of the blue, a blood clot moved caused Pete to haemorrhage and he became very unwell. Kim came straight out and helped get Pete into hospital.

Pete passed away in hospital surrounded by family and friends and his beloved Charlie.

The hospice gave Pete the care he needed and that is such a comfort for me. But they also supported me and still do! by helping me in my grief. It’s at the hospice bereavement group that I found out about Light up a Life. I will be attending this year to remember and celebrate Pete’s life.

I’ll also be donating what I can to help others like Pete and me get the care and support they need, not just at Christmas but all year round. I hope you’ll join me.

Tina