Ian dedicates light to ‘wonderful’ wife

The Southern Area Hospice Services are holding the special ‘Light Up A Life’ Christmas campaign at Banbridge Leisure Centre on Wednesday, December 11 at 11am for people to dedicate a light to someone who has passed away.

The campaign centres around Christmas trees standing in the grounds of the hospice and other council buildings in Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, and Palace Stables Armagh.

By Christmas these trees will be illuminated with hundreds of little white lights each one representing a life. Anyone can be remembered in this way they do not need to have been cared for by the hospice.

Ian who was married to Ann for 38 years and had two sons said, “Ann was in hospice in December last year, We sat together in her room with the window open to watch the wonderful ‘Light Up A Life’ ceremony. So sad but so beautiful.

“I sat each night after this at Ann’s bedside and honestly took comfort from the lights on the Christmas tree outside the window. It was a very peaceful time. Ann passed away in the hospice on December 18 2012 with all of her family around her.

“This Christmas our family will attend the ‘Light Up A Life’ ceremony that we watched last year, this time to dedicate a light to Ann and to remember the wonderful lady that she was.”

Ann, who ran Top Notch Restauramnt in Banbridge felt unwell in June last year after a holiday to Benidorm where the couple had honeymooned many years ago.

“As the holiday came to an end Ann complained of not feeling herself,” said Ian. “However when she went back to work it became clear very quickly that Ann was not well.”

Ann was admitted to hospital where tests revealed that she had advanced cancer. Treatment was unsuccessful.

“As a couple we had a very strong faith and it was this that helped us come to terms with what was happening to our family,” Ian said.

“Ann’s condition deteriorated she was admitted to the Southern Area Hospice - a truly exceptional place. “

Local people are invited to attend the event and dedicate a light on the special tree to them. You are asked to fill out a dedication form and return it or visit their web-site www.southernareahospiceservices.org. or Facebook page, Alternatively ring (028) 3025 1333.