A SOMERSET man whose wife died earlier this year is helping promote an event to remember loved ones.

Dan Holland's wife Sam died from cancer at St Margaret's Hospice in-patient unit at Bishop's Hull .

Dan is among the people taking part in the hospice's annual Light Up A Life campaign in December.

Following the success of last year's virtual event due to the pandemic, the charity has decided to stream it again this year.

Families across Somerset are being invited to share the names of their loved ones in remembrance and celebration.

The St Margaret’s website is home to a virtual night sky where people can dedicate a star in memory of a loved one and make a donation to the hospice.

Dan said: "It was the little things that made such a different at the hospice.

"Sam had an air mattress which was more comfortable for her and big doors that opened out onto a patio with a beautiful garden.

"It was lovely to have that space and access to fresh air.

"She had her own bathroom and the big chair in her room was a game changer.

"She couldn’t sit for long out of her bed while in hospital due to the pain in her pelvis, but she sat comfortably in that chair for hours.

“The care that Sam received was amazing and the staff were incredible.

“All I wanted was for her to be comfortable and free of pain and St Margaret’s gave that to Sam.

"It’s astounding that most of the care Sam received is funded by the community and so I now want to make sure I support them, so they can help more people like Sam.”

“I will be adding a star in Sam’s memory this year and hope others will join me.

"Not only will it be a wonderful way to remember her but knowing the donation goes to the hospice is fantastic.”

The Light Up A Life service will be broadcast from the Bishop’s Chapel at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, on Sunday, December 12, at 4pm and you can watch it via the hospice’s website.

For more information about Light Up A Life or to make a dedication in memory of someone visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life