The Kirkwood is once again helping people remember loved ones and light a candle in their memory.

The hospice is holding five special Light Up a Life events, which people can join in person or from home.

One of those taking part for the first time is Susan Swanson who will celebrate the life of her dear friend, Huddersfield eccentric Jake Mangle-Wurzel.

Jake, 83, was diagnosed with skin cancer and died at The Kirkwood in August. Jake had spent several weeks in St James’s Hospital in Leeds but declined a move to The Kirkwood saying the time “didn’t feel right.”

However, as his health deteriorated, he asked to be moved to the hospice for his end-of-life care.

Susan said: “I’m so glad he died at The Kirkwood instead of in hospital. He couldn’t have visitors there. We’re all from Huddersfield, and his friends and I found it very difficult to try get to see him there.

“The clinical team were so friendly, helpful and warm, they’d ask me if I wanted a cup of tea whilst I sat with Jake, looking after me as well as him.

READ MORE: Our moving tribute to the remarkable life of Jake Mangle-Wurzel

“What a lovely, beautiful place it is to be. It was such a shame Jake was too poorly to see his fantastic room and the smiles of the nurses and everyone who came to see him.”

Four events will be held in the gardens at the Dalton hospice and a fifth event at Longcauseway Church in Dewsbury. One of the events will be live-streamed for those who want to remember at home.

  • Saturday December 4 at 3.30pm – The Kirkwood gardens
  • Saturday December 4 at 6pm – The Kirkwood gardens
  • Sunday December 5 at 3.30pm – The Kirkwood gardens
  • Sunday December 5 at 6pm – The Kirkwood gardens (and live streamed on YouTube)
  • Saturday December 11 at 12noon – Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

Susan, who will be attending with friends, said: “Obviously Jake is with me all the time and is in my thoughts but this is something physical we can do, to go somewhere with other people and share in a special moment together.

“I will be coming to the evening event. I want to feel the light shining in the darkness.”

For more on Light Up a Life go to http://thekirkwood.org.uk/lightupalife

READ MORE: How Jake Mangle-Wurzel’s funeral was absolutely typical of the man