Somerset widower backs hospice appeal in memory of wife

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:13 · Archive

A Somerset widower is supporting St Margaret's Hospice's Light up a Life appeal to raise £50,000 in memory of his wife Tina.

John Bell is supporting St Margaret's Hospice's Light up a Life appeal in memory of his wife Tina, who died of terminal stomach cancer. The couple met as students and spent nearly 40 years together. Tina's final request to John before she died was: 'When I'm dead, don't forget me.' He has honoured her memory by dedicating a leaf on the Memory Tree at the hospice in Yeovil and supporting the annual appeal.

Tina received care at the hospice's Sunflower Centre, where John said she found friendship and laughter. 'When I came to pick her up, all I could hear was laughter,' he said. 'It just wasn't what I expected at all.' The hospice's community nursing team later helped manage her symptoms, allowing her to remain at home with family. She died peacefully at home.

The Light up a Life appeal invites people across Somerset to make dedications in memory of someone special whilst helping to fund care for patients and families. St Margaret's Hospice hopes to raise £50,000 through the appeal, which could fund the equivalent of more than 650 home nursing visits.

How it is being reported

• Somerset widower supports hospice appeal in memory of his wifeSt Margaret’s Hospice launches its Light up a Life appeal as a Somerset widower shares his story of love and loss.Bridgwater Mercury · 26 Oct, 05:00
• Somerset widower honours wife’s final request through hospice appealSt Margaret’s Hospice launches its Light up a Life appeal as a Somerset widower shares his story of love and loss.Somerset County Gazette · 26 Oct, 05:00

In this story: John Bell · Tina Bell · St Margaret's Hospice · Somerset · Yeovil

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