WE’RE proud to share our 2026 Light up a Life appeal.
We’re inviting our Hospice community to come together to remember their loved ones by dedicating a light on one of our Trees of Remembrance, helping their light shine brightly this Christmas.
Dedicate a light in memory of your loved one and find out more, here:
This Christmas, bring care, comfort and lasting memories to people like Tom
For Tom Hunter, St Columba’s Hospice Care is much more than a place. It is where he and his partner of 24 years, Baz, were cared for during the most difficult chapter of their lives, and where Tom found comfort, friendship and a way forward after Baz died.
“Coming to the Hospice feels like coming home,” Tom says. “The team couldn’t be dearer to my heart.”
Baz was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. As his illness progressed, the support of the Hospice became a lifeline for them both. Through the Hospice’s virtual ward, nurses and doctors cared for Baz at home, while the team was always there whenever Tom needed advice or reassurance.
One night, Baz was struggling to get comfortable in bed. Tom still remembers being scared to move Baz, in case he made his pain worse, and the feeling of helplessness he experienced. The following day, he contacted the Hospice, who arranged for an adjustable Hospital bed to be delivered, and nurses Tracey and Elaine even came that evening to help get everything set up.
And it wasn’t only the practical care that made a difference.
Tom remembers a night on the ward when Baz couldn’t settle. At 2am, nurse Lianne came in and gently massaged his head until he fell asleep. “So we both had a peaceful sleep that night,” Tom recalls. “Is that dedication, or is that dedication?”
Baz died peacefully a few days later, surrounded by the care and compassion that had become so important to them.
The kindness Tom experienced stayed with him. After taking some time to grieve, he returned to his position as a volunteer, first in the café and later on reception and with the Hospice’s hospitality team.
Today, Tom is a much-loved face around the Hospice, and his colourful collection of waistcoats is almost as famous as his warm personality.
“I get so much from being here and being able to support other families, I get a lot of comfort from it. It felt great to come back.”
Tom also has a lasting reminder of Baz in the Hospice courtyard, a tribute flower with Baz’s name engraved on its leaf. He can visit it whenever he is at the Hospice.
This Christmas, Light Up a Life is an opportunity to remember someone special while helping families like Tom and Baz’s receive the care, kindness and support they need.
Your gift could help make sure that, when families need us most, St Columba’s is there, bringing comfort, dignity and moments of peace when they matter most.