Families and friends came together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died at a special carol concert organised by The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. 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 family of Graeme Quinn who was cared for in the hospice at the end of 2023. His partner, Debbie McMillan attended the service with their two sons Carter and Kyle and Graeme’s stepson, Kaiden, at St Andrew’s on 8 December.
Graeme experienced long-term health conditions and following an unsuccessful transplant in Edinburgh, was transported to The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice for end of life care. He spent about six weeks in the hospice surrounded by his loving family.
Debbie said “We didn’t know what to expect when we came to the hospice. We thought you would just get put a room and left alone. But it so much more than that. When Graeme first arrived, he was so ill. But when I went to his room, he was sitting up having a roll and sausage and a glass of cold milk. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. They really were amazing. They cared for Graeme and for us. We made lots of special memories while at the hospice and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The service was conducted by Canon David Wallace with BBC Scotland presenter, Judith Ralston hosting. The uplifting carol service was performed by the Westerton Male Voice Choir.
More than 300 people turned out for the service with many 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, OBE, 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 family of Graeme Quinn for all their support during our campaign this year. We are so grateful to them and hope that our support has been of comfort. It is truly heart-breaking 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.
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