“Christmas is never the same without my husband, but it warms my heart to know that we can still celebrate his life thanks to Light Up A Life, where one of the symbolic lights on the Tree of Life will be shining brightly in memory of him.”
Sheila Flatters lost her husband, Malc, in December 2023, not long after celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. This year, which would have marked their 42nd wedding anniversary, Sheila is dedicating a light and attending the poignant Torchlight Procession in his memory.
Malc, described as a man who loved sport and embraced life, especially loved playing snooker with his grandsons and walking in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife. Sheila says: “We loved each other very much.”
Malc was first diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in 2018.
Sheila recalls: “We managed about four years to live life, and he was so brave and positive after such a major operation. Unfortunately, in March 2023 he was showing signs again. And then sadly, in May 2023, he was diagnosed with secondary cancer.”
“We knew that life would be changing eventually without Malc. I think you find, or are given, another level to cope with what lies ahead.”
Shelia cared for Malc at home, but as soon as he was diagnosed, St Barnabas was there to help and support.
Sheila explains: “They regularly visited and called. I could always ring them for a chat when I needed support. Sometimes you can’t show how you feel to the person who is so ill, and so you need to say something to someone else. And so, St Barnabas was there for me as well. And I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”
“All the team at St Barnabas go above and beyond with their excellent care. Malc was given dignity, and they helped him with his sense of humour – they just kept him going. They respected him as a person. They made him comfortable, and I knew that I could go home, and he would be in safe hands.”
“On the day he passed, St Barnabas just gave us time to be with him, and it was so peaceful and comforting that we could do that. A lady in the kitchen knew that me and Lisa, our daughter, had been up for most of the night with nothing to eat. And she made us a bacon roll. I can’t thank St Barnabas enough for their thoughtfulness.”
This Christmas, St Barnabas Hospice invites you to join Sheila in dedicating a light on their Tree of Life and attending the Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 18th November.
Reflecting on last year’s Torchlight Procession, Sheila says: “You know it’s going to be emotional but being there with so many people remembering their loved ones, is a special kind of emotion. We know that Malc will be with us there also.”
“This Christmas, please join me in dedicating a light to remember your loved ones and help the hospice care for people in the future, like Malc.”
You can remember anyone with a light, not just those care for by the Hospice. As a thank you, St Barnabas will send you a personalised card and a memory tag for the Tree of Life, and a decoration to display at home.
£28.21 could cover the cost of our care for one minute
£42 could pay for a comforting home visit for one hour
£115.48 could allow a nurse to provide dignified care for one day
Every donation for a light brings care, dignity, and comfort to local families. As financial pressures continue to grow, your generosity helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future.
To dedicate a light and book for the Torchlight Procession, please visit: Light up a Life with St Barnabas Hospice