Lights for Love - Brenda’s Story

For many families across Medway and beyond, Lights for Love at Wisdom Hospice is more than just a ceremony—it is a chance to pause, to remember, and to celebrate the lives of loved ones who hold a special place in our hearts. Each light shines as a symbol of love and memory, a reminder that those we’ve lost continue to be part of our lives.

For me, this event carries an especially deep meaning. Twenty years ago, my dad spent his final days at Wisdom Hospice. It was a time filled with both sadness and gratitude—the sadness of saying goodbye, but also the gratitude of seeing him cared for with such dignity, kindness, and compassion. The staff and volunteers made an unimaginable time gentler, offering comfort not only to him but to our whole family.

Now, two decades later, I find myself walking back through the doors of Wisdom Hospice—but this time as a volunteer. It feels like coming full circle. Being able to give something back to the place that supported my family all those years ago is both humbling and healing. I see every day how the hospice continues its mission: not just providing medical care, but surrounding patients and families with warmth, respect, and humanity.

That is why Lights for Love matters so much. It isn’t only about remembering those who have passed; it is also about strengthening the bonds of community and support. Each light on the tree outside the hospice represents a story, a family, and a love that endures. When people gather together at the ceremony, they are reminded they are not alone in their grief. There is comfort in standing alongside others who understand.

As I help out now—as a volunteer instead of a relative—I see both sides of the journey. I see the new families walking in with heavy hearts, just as we once did, and I see how much it means to them to have this space where love and memory are honoured. And when I look up at the lights, I always think of my dad, and how his life remains a part of mine.

This year’s Lights for Love will once again be an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate those we miss. Whether you light a candle, dedicate a light on the tree, or simply stand quietly in remembrance, know that your love continues to shine brightly.

Brenda Winslade
Chatham, Kent

Written in memory of her dad

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