The Lakelands Hospice Light up a Life appeal will raise cash to help the Corby hospice launch its overnight, 24-hour, hospice-at-home service in the new year.

People can dedicate a light on the Lakelands Christmas Tree to a loved-one who has died or is ill.

Mr Hinvest, 68, is backing the appeal after his wife Valerie died of bowel cancer in September.

He would have loved for her to die at home and had prepared a room for her, but she was unable to leave Cransley Hospice in Kettering following a blood transfusion because there was not enough care available for her at night. She died there on September 27.

Gwyn, of Kingswood Place, Corby, said: "My wife got involved as a volunteer at the Lakelands before she got cancer, and then she became a patient from 2007.

"She came here every Wednesday and she loved doing the crafts and potting the flowers in the garden. There is a lot of laughter at the Lakelands, and she liked the fact she could come here and speak to people who had similar problems to hers."

On September 3, Valerie, 68, went into Cransley Hospice for a blood transfusion and had planned to come home, but Gwyn was unable to find enough 24-hour care for her and she died there.

Gwyn, a retired civil engineer, added: "She was going to come home but we couldn't get the support at night. I was looking after her 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and getting up five or six times in the night.

"There are three choices about where you die – hospital, a hospice or
at home.

"I think most people would choose to die at home, surrounded by family and friends but Valerie wasn't able to do that. The Hospice at Home scheme could provide the care needed at night."

The lighting ceremony will take place at the hospice in Butland Road on Thursday, December 10 at 6.30pm.


Anyone can dedicate a light by collecting a form at the hospice or at Lakelands Emporium in New Post Office square, calling 01536 747755 or visiting www.justgiving.com/lakelandslightupalife.