Islanders Invited To Celebrate Loved And Lost At Mountbatten's Light Up a Life

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is inviting people to celebrate the memory of those they hold dear at its annual Light up a Life event next month (December).

It is dedicated to remembrance and supporting our patients and families in need.

Join the Mountbatten team on Sunday December 1 from 4pm to 6pm at the hospice on Halberry Lane, Newport for a heartfelt evening of music, readings and candle lighting.

Each light dedicated represents a life remembered and brings hope to families supported by Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

With a donation, you will help us continue providing expert 24/7 care and support to over 2,300 people daily across the Island, including families like Sam’s.

Sam’s family will gather to remember him at this year’s Light up a Life event.

“Mountbatten gave Sam dignity and helped him be the father his daughters needed in his final days,” said Jayne, Sam’s mother.

Sam died at just 33, but his family felt peace and comfort knowing he was well looked after.

In 2021, Sam was diagnosed with aggressive bowel cancer.

Known for his humour and devotion to his family, he cherished creating memories with his daughters, Isabella-Rose and Emelia-Faith.

After a difficult Christmas and many hospital stays, Sam’s family turned to Mountbatten Isle of Wight, where they found not only medical care but also peace and support.

“Sam wasn’t scared, because he knew we had the support we needed. If you’re nervous about attending, please don’t be,” says Charmaine, Sam’s wife.

“Mountbatten is a personal space, calm and relaxed. It’s where you can remember your loved ones with peace.”

Every day, it costs £278.40 to fund a Mountbatten nurse, who provides personalised care in Newport's 16-bed inpatient unit and in people’s homes across the Island.

With only around one-third of the charity's funding coming from the NHS, it relies upon the generous support of the community to continue this vital work.

There are several ways to get involved in this year’s Light up a Life this December:

• Dedicate a light and donate online
• Attend the event: Join us from 4pm – 6pm on Sunday, 1 December, at the hospice on Halberry Lane
• If you cannot attend, you can still dedicate a light

For more information and to read Sam’s full story, click here.

Your donations are needed more than ever, especially during this challenging time as NHS funding remains uncertain.

By joining Light up a Life, you not only remember loved ones but also provide vital support to patients and families in their time of greatest need.