‘She would want people to remember her laugh’: Husband supports Saint Michael’s Hospice appeal

A husband whose wife died aged just 37 has spoken about the laughter, love and memories they shared as he supports Saint Michael’s Hospice’s annual Light Up a Life appeal.

Alex is remembering his wife, Fi, who died at Saint Michael’s in March 2026, and hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to dedicate a light to someone special this Christmas.

“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 built a life together in Glossop, sharing a love of films, the outdoors and travelling, alongside their dog, Bella.

Fi had undergone surgery for a brain tumour before they met, with further treatment during their relationship. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her health, the couple remained determined to make the most of their time together.

Alex said: “We never knew if we had five years or 50. 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. She even had the word ‘gratitude’ tattooed on her arm.

As her illness progressed, Fi decided she wanted to spend her final days in a hospice. After visiting Saint Michael’s, she immediately felt at ease, knowing that both she and her loved ones would be supported.

For Alex, the care she received meant he could step away from his role as her carer and focus on being her husband.

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

Alex said: “The staff were amazing. 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, with her family by her side.

Liv, a nurse at the hospice who helped care for Fi, remembered her gratitude 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,” she said.

“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.”

Saint Michael’s annual Light Up a Life appeal invites people to dedicate a light in memory of someone special, with each dedication helping to fund the hospice’s care for patients and their families. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether or not their loved one received care at the hospice.

Alex hopes supporting the appeal will give something back to the team who cared for him and Fi, while helping other families receive the same support.

Saint Michael’s is also holding free remembrance events across the district, including in Pateley Bridge and at Ripon Cathedral.

The final event will take place at 4pm on Sunday, December 13, at Crimple House, Harrogate. Everyone is welcome.

To dedicate a light, support the appeal or find out more about the services, click here.