THIS year's Light Up A Life switch-on for Wirral Hospice St John's takes place tonight (Sunday, December 10) in memory of a "wonderful" mum.
The husband and children of Helen Parentini, from Moreton, who passed away at the hospice last year, will switch on 10,000 thousand bulbs to thank hospice staff for their care during the Globe-backed ceremony, which starts at 5.30pm.
The lights will shine out from the trees and buildings surrounding the hospice in the evenings in the run up to and throughout Christmas Time.
Juan said: "It's such a special honour to be asked to switch on the lights for Light up a Life.
"Helen was so grateful for the kindness and care she was given by the wonderful team at the hospice".
Helen and Juan met in the year 2000 when they both worked for the Carnival Cruise Line.
Juan, originally from Montevideo in Uruguay, and Helen, who was born and bred in Greasby, were described as "truly an international couple".
They married a year after meeting and eventually made their home, via Chester and Great Sutton, in Moreton.
Five years later, daughter Amy, now 17, was on the way and not so long after, Zoe, was born.
Helen became unwell in 2020 as everybody was coming to terms with the pandemic and, in September that year, was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
She embarked on all the treatment possible but by 2022 was referred to hospice consultant, Dr Joanne. They all agreed that the next steps were to manage the pain and discomfort Helen was now feeling.
Juan, Amy and Zoe, alongside Helen’s good friends, Jo and Jackie, would visit Helen daily and saw that her pain had subsided, so much so that she was able to go home where she could have special lunches with her family.
Helen felt so well looked after at the hospice and the full team of doctors, nurses, healthcare assistant’s, caterers, cleaners and volunteers, were described by her family as 'just wonderful'.
She passed away on September 18, last year.
Since Helen's death, Juan, Amy and Zoe have attended a hospice remembrance service, A Time to Remember, which supports people who have had family members at the hospice contextualise their feelings of grief and loss.
Looking ahead to the Light Up A Life switch-on Juan continued: "Amy, Zoe and I will have Helen in our hearts forever and by switching on the lights we will send a message of love to everyone who will be remembering their precious loved ones too."
To sponsor a light for Light up a Life, call 0151 343 0778 or visit: www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife to make a donation online
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