Harrogate hospice urges people to remember someone special this Christmas

Saint Michael’s Hospice is inviting people across the Harrogate district and beyond to remember someone special this Christmas through its annual Light Up a Life appeal.

And one husband sharing the story of his beloved wife to encourage others to take part.

Alex is supporting this year’s appeal in memory of his wife, Fi, who died at Saint Michael’s Hospice in March 2026, aged just 37.

Through Light Up a Life, he hopes to celebrate the laughter, love and memories they shared, while helping the hospice continue providing compassionate care to local people and families.

The annual appeal invites people to dedicate a light in memory of someone special, offering an opportunity to celebrate treasured memories while supporting the hospice’s vital services.

For Alex, it is a fitting tribute to Fi, whose warmth, adventurous spirit and wonderful sense of humour brought happiness to those around her.

“There are so many videos I’ve got of her, and almost all of them are us laughing together,” he said.

The couple met in Manchester in 2015 and went on to build a life together in Glossop, sharing a love of films, the outdoors and travelling, alongside their beloved dog, Bella.

Fi had undergone surgery for a brain tumour before they met, and further treatment followed during their relationship.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her health, Alex and Fi remained determined to make the most of every moment together.

“We never knew if we had five years or 50,” Alex explained.

“Living in limbo was very challenging. But it made us focus on enjoying every part of life, and we were grateful beyond words for every day that we had together.”

When a further tumour was discovered in 2025, Fi continued to embrace life with the same determination and gratitude, with Fi even having the word ‘gratitude’ tattooed on her arm.

As her illness progressed, Fi made the decision that she wanted to spend her final days in a hospice.

After visiting Saint Michael’s, she immediately felt at ease in its peaceful surroundings, knowing that both she and her loved ones would be supported.

For Alex, the care provided by Saint Michael’s meant he could step away from his role as Fi’s carer and focus on simply being her husband.

During her week at the hospice, family and friends were able to visit freely, spending precious time together watching Fi’s favourite films, listening to music and sharing memories.

“The staff were amazing,” Alex said. “They provided the most considerate, gentle care for Fi, but also helped me through the hardest moments I’ll ever go through.

“Some of the late night conversations I had with the care team about death – and importantly life – brought me enormous comfort and will stay with me forever.”

Fi died peacefully at Saint Michael’s Hospice, with her family by her side.

Liv, a nurse at Saint Michael’s who was involved in Fi’s care, remembers the gratitude she showed towards the team.

“Upon arrival at the hospice, Fi was so very grateful to be at Saint Michael’s and held one of the team’s hands to thank them.

“We often build a bond with families while trying to make their environment feel like home.

“We find out their wishes, favourite music, films.

“If there was a message I could give to Alex, it’s that I would like him to always hold on to the special and precious memories they shared over their happy years together.”

By supporting Light Up a Life in Fi’s memory, Alex hopes to give something back to the hospice that cared for them both, while helping other families receive the same compassionate support.

Saint Michael’s Hospice is inviting everyone, whether or not their loved one received hospice care, to take part in this year’s appeal by dedicating a light in memory of someone special.

Each dedication offers an opportunity to honour a life, celebrate precious memories and help the hospice continue caring for local people and families affected by terminal illness and bereavement.

Supporters are also invited to attend Saint Michael’s Light Up a Life remembrance event across the district in Pateley Bridge and Ripon Cathedral, with their final event on Sunday 13 December 2026 at 4pm at Saint Michael's, Crimple House, Harrogate, where the community will come together to remember loved ones. All events are free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

To dedicate a light, support the appeal or find out more about the Light Up a Life services, visit: www.saintmichaelshospice.org/light-up-a-life