A family from near Exmouth facing their first Christmas without their dad is backing Hospiscare’s Light Up a Life services.

Exmouth Journal: Hospiscare's Light up a Life tree at Exeter CathedralHospiscare's Light up a Life tree at Exeter Cathedral (Image: Archant)

Topsham-based Pebblebed Vineyard owner Geoff Bowen, who grew up in Exmouth, died in January 2018, at Hospiscare, Exeter, three months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Holy Trinity Church, in Rolle Road, Exmouth, is holding its Hospiscare Light Up a Life service on Wednesday, December 5, at 6pm, with carols, poems and candles, offering family and friends the opportunity to come together and remember those who have died.

A Light Up a Life service will be held at Topsham’s St Margaret’s Church on Sunday, December 2, at 3pm.

Geoff’s wife, Anna, has spoken of the ‘exceptional’ care and kindness by Hospiscare towards her husband and their children, Martha and Jessie, when their family’s life drastically changed.

She said: “No one ever hopes to find themselves in the position that we as a family did when Geoff was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“But we will be forever grateful to all the amazing staff at Hospiscare for allowing the four of us to live, eat, sleep and just be together in those last few precious days and nights.

“Geoff received exceptional and sensitive care to the very end, and we were given space and privacy in the lovely calm family room. We can never thank Hospiscare enough.”

Hospiscare Light Up a Life services take place throughout Exeter, Mid and East Devon during November and December,

The final service is in Exeter Cathedral on Sunday, December 16, at 6.30pm.

Families and friends can also leave a dedication in the Hospiscare book of memories found at each service, or share an online memory star.

Hospiscare said Christmas was often an emotional time for those missing loved ones.

Sarah Smith, Hospiscare spokeswoman, said: “Our Light Up a Life services are a beautiful way to remember someone special as Christmas approaches, and everyone is welcome.

“Hospiscare is very much part of the community and these services are a chance for those communities to gather and support one another, they offer not only the opportunity to reflect but also to celebrate the life of a loved one.”