Sponsor a light in memory of a loved one

This year for the first time, we have decided to use one of the living trees in the Hospice grounds at Winsley as the central focus of the Light Up a Life appeal. 2026 marks Dorothy House’s 50th anniversary and we felt it appropriate that we use a tree that has stood in the grounds throughout that time and will continue to grow and thrive here for years to come.

Each shining light on the tree will pay a unique tribute to someone special and offers the gift of funding vital end of life care for those people and their families that need our support now, and into the future.

Your donations ensure we can be there for our community when it matters most

could pay for

a full hour of nursing care on our Inpatient Unit for essential care, symptom control and pain relief.

could pay for

2 full hours of care during the night, delivered at home, by a compassionate, skilled and experienced Hospice at Home Carer.

could pay for

3 hours of 1:1 sessions with an expert counsellor, helping patients, families, carers and children to cope with bereavement.

John's story

John Richards has attended our Light up a Life services every year since his wife, Hal, died in 2014. Every year, John sponsors a lights on the tree and donates monthly in Hal’s memory. In this short video, John talks about his gratitude for the ways Dorothy House cared for and supported his wife and family, as well as the support he received to help him manage his grief.

“As well as making sure Hal died in peace and without pain, Dorothy House supported me afterwards when I needed it most.”

Hand-written dedication card

If you choose to sponsor a light on our tree this year, you will receive a handwritten dedication card. You will received two stars, one to keep, and one we’ll display at our Services of Light. Your star will join thousands of others at our Services of Light, displayed together in solidarity, love and remembrance.

Services of Light

Our Light up a Life events are open to everyone. It is a time to reflect and to remember, with the offering of spreading light across our community in celebration of those we love. Our Winsley service will be held around our wonderful Light up a Life tree, and you are free to visit the tree at any time.

For anyone unable to attend he services, you are of course welcome to visit the tree at any time.

Register for your free ticket to attend either of our services below, or call our Supporter Care Team on 01225 721 480.

Winsley service

Our Winsley service will take place on Sunday 22 November from 3pm. This will be a standing service.

Bath Abbey service

Our Bath Abbey Service will take place on Tuesday 24 November from 7pm. This will be a seated service. We will also be live streaming this service for those who are unable to attend a physical service. We will share the link to the livestream closer to the date of the service.

Thank you for supporting our Light up a Life Appeal

Thank you for your ongoing kindness. In remembering your own precious loved ones, you are enabling us to continue providing essential support for those that need end of life care and support now.