The service was conducted at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow as part of the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life celebrations and was kindly sponsored by EDF Energy.

This year, the Light Up a Life campaign is supported by the Gough family whose husband, father and friend to many, Peter, was cared for in the hospice in October 2023. Wife Dawn attended the service with their two daughters Eilidh and Emily, at St Andrew’s on 10 December.

Peter was diagnosed with bowel cancer and when his health deteriorated, Peter became too ill to stay at home, he came to the hospice. “Moving to the hospice was like “a weight lifting”, says Dawn.

“Everyone was so fantastic with him, with all of us – nothing was too much trouble,” she says. “It was such a relief, knowing he was getting the care he deserved, the care everyone deserves in that situation.”

The service was conducted by Canon Andrew McKenzie with BBC Scotland presenter, Judith Ralston hosting. The uplifting carol service was performed by the Westerton Male Voice Choir.

Almost 400 people turned out for the service with some watching online.

“We gather every year to celebrate the lives of loved ones, it’s such a meaningful and important thing for people to be able to do,” said Rhona Baillie, Chief Executive of the hospice. 

“We know how much people value the occasion of coming together in shared remembrance and celebration. It is such a moving experience to be here and provide comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

“I’d also like to pay special tribute to the Gough family for all their support during our campaign this year. Peter was very special to the hospice and had fundraised for us on many occasions during his life. We are so grateful to him and his family and hope that our support has been of comfort. It is truly heartbreaking to lose a loved one and we hope we can offer our support to all who need it.”

Glasgow’s Hospice provides free specialist care to 1,200 new patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses and their families each year both at the hospice at Bellahouston Park and in patient’s own homes.