We are remembering my Grandad. An amazing trombone player in his day as well as a terrifically talented joiner. My Grandad was like a built in best friend. So funny, his smile and laugh just lit up the entire room. And I would always feel safe and secure whenever he was near, he just had a calming presence. He always reassured you that you would be fine and give you a big squeeze and you would instantly feel better. My grandad was so determined, this showed when he had a stroke when I was younger and he had to learn how to read, write and speak again and he did. He passed away two years ago now from falling on a rainy day and after all he had achieved recovering from those traumas, it left such a hole in our lives for him to be suddenly taken when he was so healthy. Our lives are definitely different without him as he was such a light and a joy. Everyone who met him says the same, he was just a force of nature. The best husband, father and grandad in the world.
We are also remembering my Granny (Grandad’s wife) unfortunately she passed when I was a baby so I didn’t get much time with her, which really upsets me but when I hear all the wonderful and also funny stories about her I truly feel like I know her so well. She was so kind, so creative, also a force of nature. She was very determined, she ran a restaurant whilst taking care of her family and just had so many feathers to her cap! She had an eye for detail. I wish I could have spent years on end with her, going around antique shops which she so dearly loved. She was a treasured wife, mother and Granny.
We are also remembering my Auntie Bridget. When my granny passed away Auntie Bridget sort of took on the role of Granny duties. And to this day , I can say she truly shaped who I am. She was so kind, so delicate, always fair. Auntie Bridget loved church and keeping her rosary beads close to her (which is something I like to do now because of her), everything in her home was perfect and beautiful. Some of the best memories of my childhood are school holidays at my Auntie Bridget’s. And walking through her front door and getting a whiff of her homemade chicken soup that she was cooking. Everyone who knew her, held a special place in their hearts for Auntie Bridget and that’s a fact. We miss her everyday.

And finally we are remembering my Granny Flynn (Auntie Bridget’s sister and my Mums Granny) she too passed when I was baby so I don’t have any memories with her and I so wish I did because of the stories I hear she was such a kind and wonderful person to know. I have one picture of her holding me when I was just born, I’m asleep in her lap and she is looking down at me just like an angel and she is so very gently holding my tiny hand with the tips of her fingers, the picture is so beautiful and special because although I never knew her that picture shows how much she loved me and how many memories we would have made together , the memories would have been wonderful. My mum describes her as so elegant and very much “a lady” and she was a huge part of my mum’s growing up, almost everyday they would see her, she was like a “second mum”. It just shows how treasured she was.

A much loved brother after a long illness, a dear friend who took his own life, and a dearest friend who was taken far too early, and very quickly. St Barnabas supported her in her final days, thank you x

For my wonderful Grandma, Olive. You’re awfully missed, especially around Christmas. I keep the memories of our extended Christmases & our birthdays close to my heart.

We miss you more each day.
Love you loads.

Jen, Abbie and Jess xxx

Think of you every day. I miss you.

Another Christmas has come since you've gone.
Never will any of you be forgotten.
There is all way's love in our Hearts for you All

You were my best friend and I will miss you forever and love you always-until we meet again

My dearest Peter, you have become a grandfather this year to a lovely boy. You would be so proud.

My darling Daphne, how I miss our little jaunts and chats, but somehow I feel there is a lot of you in me.

I miss you both with each and every passing day. Strange that you never met each other and yet you were so important to me in my life and continue to be so.

Forever in my heart
Laura

We all miss you so much and our love for you is as strong as ever.

Mum and Dad you always made Christmas such a special time. Love and miss you xx

A very proud rock ape who was so brave to the end. A loving husband and dad we will love and miss you always . Susan + Samantha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The third Christmas without our darling son Jack, each one as painful as the first. He will, forever be 19 and missed so, so much by everyone who knew him but especially his family… us mum and dad, his brothers, their partners and children

Another Christmas without Granny’s magic. Miss and love you more than you can imagine xxx

Merry 1st Christmas our darling girl
We hope you are happy, dancing in the clouds.
Love you always and forever,
Mummy and Daddy
xxxx

To Dad, my hero,
I think of you and miss you every single day. There is a dad shaped hole in my heart that feels more prominent at this time of year.
This light is dedicated to you. May it shine as bright as your smile.
Merry Christmas.
Love you always
Jen xoxoxo

Always in our hearts
Forever loved X

Always in my thoughts at this time of year xx

One in a million Das. Love you so much. Miss you xxxx

I miss my beautiful daughter Lesley everyday, and always donate to Light up a Light and raise funds by holding a coffee morning. Lesley always enjoyed her weekly trips to St. Barnabas to socialise with other people in a similar position to herself. Her last few days were spent in St. Barnabas where she had tender loving care. My only child she left met the best legacy of all – a wonderful grandaughter and grandson. I now have 4 great grandchildren and I know Lesley would be so proud of them all. xxxxx

Always a light in my life, forever loved and missed

Mum and dad gave me a perfect childhood. The older I get, the more I love and appreciate them. I hope they realised this.

Miss you dad. Wish you were here to share Christmas with Baxy. I’ll tell him about the special stars for Grandad Craig when we decorate the tree this year. Love always Becky xxx

Remembering Mick this Christmas, he passed away in the hospice 23rd October 2019. Always missed and never forgotten.

My wife passed away over four years ago. She had dementia and later cancer. She is with me every day and missed by so many. She was looked after in her final seven weeks at home with help from St Barnabas.