Light up a Life plea to help Saint Catherine’s

The appeal aims to raise much-needed funds to ensure that no family is left without support at the time when they need it the most.

Due to ongoing Covid-19 guidelines, Saint Catherine’s is unable to run any Light up a Life services this year.

However, the charity is inviting supporters to share messages of remembrance and love by writing a message on one of our special Light up a Life baubles, which have been posted out to regular supporters. The baubles will then be displayed in Saint Catherine’s shop windows over the Christmas period.

Susan Stephenson, communications and marketing manager, said: “We hope that our Light up a Life appeal will bring everyone together this Christmas with the shared goal of giving the greatest gift there is – the gift of care.

“We appreciate every donation, every message of support and every dedication that is shared with us. Thank you to all our supporters, old and new, for everything you do in aid of Saint Catherine’s.”

Supporter Mark Rooke, who lives near Helmsley, has shared his family’s story as part of this year’s Light up a Life appeal.

In February 2019, Mark lost his beloved wife Jenny, who had been battling cancer.

Mark said: “We were blessed when Jenny was given a bed at Saint Catherine’s. I would stay for two nights and two days, then our daughter Helen would do the same. That’s how we did it all the way through.

“We couldn’t have wished for anything more. Jenny slept a lot and was very peaceful, but whenever she woke up I had my lovely Jenny back.

“I just think unless you’ve had an experience like this as a family, it’s hard to realise the impact Saint Catherine’s has on patients and their loved ones. I don’t know what we’d have done without Saint Catherine’s and I’m forever grateful for the precious time they gave us with Jenny.”

If you would like to make a donation as part of this year’s appeal go to www.saintcatherines.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/make-a-donation or call 01723 378406.