‘Light Up a Life’ by Havens Hospices gives people the opportunity to dedicate a light on the hospices’ Christmas trees in memory of someone close to them.

Not only does a donation dedicate a light, but the charity will also send a special card to keep, honouring loved ones, and a tag for supporters to hang on their own tree at home.

If a dedication is received by Monday 17th November, names of loved ones will be placed inside a Book of Remembrance available to view throughout December and into 2026 at Canvey Methodist Church, Southend Crematorium, St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell and Fair Havens Hospice. Loved ones’ names will also feature on the charity’s online Light up a Life dedication page on its website.

Every dedication will help raise vital funds so Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens and Little Havens, can be there for every child, young person, and adult needing specialist care and support.

One of those who will be dedicating a light in memory of a loved one is local supporter Ray Malone. Fair Havens, in Prittlewell, cared for Ray’s partner, Kerry. Kerry, a hairdresser who was full of life, was diagnosed with cancer in the midst of the Covid pandemic.

Fair Havens provided Kerry and Ray with invaluable care and support during Kerry’s final days. The hospice gave them moments of normality together. Ray, who has raised more than £3,000 in Kerry’s memory over the last few years, recalled: “We’d spend the day together just talking about the stuff we’ve done before, catching up and chatting about our memories. One night, we even got to have a roast dinner together in her room – it was the little things that mattered. Everyone was kind – from the doctors and nurses to the housekeeping and catering team. That’s just how Fair Havens was – friendly, welcoming.”

When speaking about Light up a Life, Ray added, “Light up a Life means so much to me. Last year, when I visited Southend Crematorium to look at the Books of Remembrance and saw Kerry’s name, it was such a comfort. It makes me feel like she’s not forgotten.”

The charity will also be holding its free local special remembrance services on various dates throughout December:

• St Mary’s Church, Prittlewell, SS2 6LQ – Sunday 30th December, 4pm
• Canvey Methodist Church, SS8 9AB – Saturday 6th December, 4pm
• Hadleigh Salvation Army Temple, SS7 2PR – Sunday 7th December, 4pm

Sharon Davies, from the In Memory Team at Havens Hospices, says: “Every Christmas, our Light Up a Life campaign is embraced warmly in the hearts of the local community.

“Light Up a Life is a much-loved tradition at Havens Hospices, and raises thousands of pounds each year, helping us to care for more local people facing the devastating news of an incurable condition.

“You don’t have to have experienced our hospice care to dedicate a light or attend a service; everyone in our community is welcome.”

The charity is also introducing a brand-new keepsake decoration created especially for Light up a Life 2025. This meaningful memento can be displayed at home as a way to remember someone special throughout the festive season.

To Light up a Life and purchase a special keepsake decoration in memory of a loved one today, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/lual

Published on 31st October 2025