Light up a Life Service of Remembrance

Christmas, while often filled with joy, can also be a deeply emotional season when someone special is no longer with us. For many of the families we’ve supported, gathering with others who truly understand can bring comfort, connection and a sense of peace. We hope our Light up a Life Service of Remembrance provides them with the opportunity to experience that.

Tree of Light lit up We are once again delighted to be able to offer two services. The first will be held at the Hospice on Sunday 29 November at 4:30pm, the second will be held at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College in Richmond at 2pm on Friday 4 December.

During both services, Steve Nolan, Bereavement, Spiritual Care and Counselling Lead, will lead us in a programme of traditional carols and meaningful readings as we come together to remember, reflect on, and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.

If you would like to attend either service please let us know. We have limited capacity at both events, so please consider registering early.

There is also a Community Light up a Life service on Tuesday 15 December at All Saints Church in Kingston, there is no need to register to attend this service.

Mike’s story

When Ania was told her treatment was no longer working, her family faced the unimaginable. With three young children, she and her husband Mike turned to Princess Alice Hospice for support.

“The nurses were brilliant, just fantastic,” Mike recalls. “They were Ania’s first point of call… those points of contact were just unbelievable.” The Hospice team supported Ania at home, managing her care and helping Mike through the practical and emotional challenges. “It’s very difficult being the carer,” he says. “They took the burden off me so I could be a husband.”

As Ania’s condition worsened, the Hospice helped make it possible for her to die at home, surrounded by her family. “It was the best thing… we were all there together,” Mike says.

After Ania’s death, support continued through bereavement groups for both Mike and the children. “There’s a feeling you’re not alone,” he reflects. For his children, being with others who understand “has been a huge part of the grieving process.”

“Three years on, they’re still there for us,” Mike says. “I couldn’t speak highly enough of the help we’ve had.”

Support our Light up a Life Appeal

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Light up a Life Service of Remembrance

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