Appeals
At St Barnabas Hospice, we understand how important it is to remember and celebrate the lives of those we love. Our In Memory appeals offer a special way to honour someone’s memory while helping us provide compassionate hospice care across Lincolnshire – from specialist end-of-life care to bereavement support.
Every light dedicated, every ironwork purchased, and every event attended helps us to care for thousands of local people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families. We currently run two key In Memory appeals: Light Up a Life and our Spring Appeal.
Light Up a Life
Our Light Up a Life Appeal is one of the most loved and longstanding events in the St Barnabas Hospice calendar. Now in its 25th year, this treasured tradition brings people together to reflect, remember, and celebrate those who are no longer with us in the run up to Christmas.
Each year, thousands of people dedicate a light on our Tree of Life, which stands proudly outside Lincoln Cathedral during the festive period. Every light shines in memory of someone special, symbolising remembrance and hope, even through the darkest days.
How to take part:
- Dedicate a light in memory of your loved one and include a personal message on our online page.
- Join the Torchlight Procession at Lincoln Cathedral, followed by a short service of reflection.
- Make your light shine all year – a monthly gift means families never face life’s darkest moments alone.
Torchlight Procession
Families and friends join together in a beautiful and powerful tribute, carrying flaming torches through the historic streets of Lincoln. This poignant event has grown from 100 people and a lone piper to over 1,000 led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band.
Whether you choose to dedicate a light, attend the Torchlight Procession, or simply reflect at home, your participation helps us continue our mission to provide free, compassionate hospice care for local families.
Spring Appeal
Every other year, we invite supporters to join our Spring Appeal – a unique and uplifting opportunity to remember loved ones through art and nature. Each appeal features a beautifully crafted ironwork sculpture, created by local artists and inspired by the theme of remembrance.
Supporters can purchase a personalised ironwork in memory of someone special, and attend a stunning public display or installation where the pieces are showcased before being collected as personal keepsakes.
These displays create peaceful, reflective spaces for remembrance, often set against beautiful Lincolnshire backdrops, from cathedral grounds to gardens and green spaces. Every purchase not only honours a loved one’s memory but also helps fund our specialist care, ensuring that every family receives support when they need it most.
How to take part:
- Purchase a handcrafted ironwork sculpture in memory of your loved one.
- Visit the installation to view the display and spend time reflecting in a tranquil setting.
- Keep your sculpture as a lasting tribute at home or in your garden.
Previous Ironworks
Dragonfly
Forever in Our Hearts
Feathers from Above
Why your support matters
Both Light Up a Life and the Spring Appeal are more than fundraising campaigns — they are a celebration of love, memory and community.
Every dedication helps us continue to provide free hospice care to people across Lincolnshire. It costs over £14.8 million each year to run our services, and with only 44% of our funding coming from the government, we rely on the kindness and generosity of our supporters.
By taking part in an appeal, you’re not only keeping a loved one’s memory alive, you’re helping ensure others receive the same compassionate care and support when they need it most.
Bereavement support
At St Barnabas, we know that grief doesn’t end with an event, and you don’t have to face it alone. Our Wellbeing Team offers compassionate, practical and emotional support for anyone coping with grief.
From our Bereavement Support Groups to one-to-one counselling sessions, we create safe spaces where people can share experiences, talk openly about their feelings, and begin to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
Support groups are available to anyone in the community, whether or not your loved one received care from St Barnabas. You can also access wellbeing activities and resources designed to help with mental health, relaxation and resilience.
If you’re looking for support or would like to learn more, please visit our Wellbeing and Bereavement Support page.
Wellbeing and Bereavement Support
Join us in remembrance
Everyone is welcome to take part in our In Memory appeals, whether or not your loved one was cared for by St Barnabas.
If you’d like to honour your loved one in a different way, such as organising a funeral collection, taking on a challenge or hosting an event, please contact our Fundraising Team on 01522 540 300 or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
