Stars shine in memory of Hazel

Richard Hood and his daughters Rebekah (five) and Megan (two) are launching Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Wish Upon a Star appeal which will see the Cancer Centre’s Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of gold stars, each carrying the personal wish, message or name of a loved one affected by cancer.

People who make a wish will also be given their very own star to hang on their tree at home, keeping that special someone close at this time of year.

Richard and his daughters have dedicated their very own star to Hazel, who was just 32 when she lost her battle with breast cancer in September last year.

Christmas will not be the same for the family, but as Hazel’s attitude remained positive because of her faith, Richard’s wish is that her story would encourage others to look to Jesus for salvation and to keep fighting. 

He said: “When Hazel was in hospital having our daughter, Megan, she found a lump on her right breast that unfortunately turned out to be cancer. Early tests showed that it had already spread to her lymph nodes, breast bone and hip. At every review appointment it never brought good news and eventually the cancer spread to her spine, liver, lungs and brain.

“Hazel fought cancer for approximately one and a half years and she was the strongest, bravest person I know. When people met Hazel they could not believe that she was riddled with cancer, as she was so positive. The girls and her faith kept her going, as did her fantastic sense of humour which stayed throughout and helped us all through those really dark days.”

This Christmas will be Richard and the girls’ second Christmas without Hazel and while it will be a sad time for the family, Richard is hoping that they will be able to capture the time of year that Hazel loved so much.

“It will be really tough without her this year, but the girls and our family will follow in her footsteps and decorate the house and make sure we have Christmas the way Hazel would have wanted it. Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Wish Upon a Star appeal is a really special way for us to remember Hazel.”

Stars are available for a donation of £5 and can be purchased directly from the Friends of the Cancer Centre office. For more information on the Wish Upon a Star appeal please call 028 9069 9393.