Sponsored by MTL Advanced Ltd, with support from Pryor Marking Technology
Dedicate a star in their memory
This time of year can bring people together, but it can also remind us of those who are no longer here to share it with us.
With Light Up a Life, you can take a moment to remember someone who will always hold a special place in your heart. And that moment is something that can help others, providing care, comfort and precious moments to families when they need them most – families just like Andy’s.
With a suggested minimum donation of £20, you can receive a beautiful keepsake star engraved with the name of your loved one.
Your loved one’s name will also appear in our Book of Remembrance, shared in the Rotherham Advertiser, alongside the names of hundreds of others who are dearly missed.
Andy remembers Sarah this Light Up a Life
Sarah was a devoted mum, wife and friend who embraced life wholeheartedly.
In December 2025, Sarah was admitted to Rotherham Hospice. For us and our children, Jack and Kate, it was an incredibly difficult time. Yet the hospice quickly became a place of warmth, comfort and togetherness. Arriving through the hospice doors felt like getting a great big hug.
The hospice helped us as a family make precious memories together – watching films, playing games, sharing meals and making festive decorations.
Sarah died peacefully on Boxing Day, surrounded by her family.
This Christmas, a light will shine for Sarah at Rotherham Hospice, a reminder of a much loved wife, mum and best friend.
Your star & where it shines
Once you’ve made your dedication, the amazing team at Pryor Marking Technology will engrave a stainless steel star ornament crafted by MTL Advanced apprentices. We will then send your star out to you so you can place it on your tree at home.
To ensure your dedicated star is safely delivered in time for Christmas day, please ensure all dedications are received at the hospice by Tuesday 15th December. We cannot guarantee that any dedications made after this date will arrive in time for Christmas day.
To appear in the Advertiser please submit your dedication by Monday 7th December.
Our Light up a Life Remembrance Event
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate the lives of those we love.
This year, we are holding an in-memory procession from the Four Clocks in Rotherham centre to Rotherham Minster, starting at 4.30pm on Sunday 6th December. We expect the short procession to last no more than 15 minutes. This will be followed by a festive gathering in the Minster itself. Attendees can also benefit from free parking for up to three hours at Tesco Extra, Drummond Street, between 4pm and 7pm.
Venue: Four Clocks to Rotherham Minster
Date: 6th December
Time: 4.30pm
Dedicate a star in your pet's memory
This year, we are pleased to introduce a special dedication for beloved animals who are no longer with us.
For many of us, our pets are cherished members of the family, bringing comfort, joy and unconditional love into our lives. Losing them can leave a lasting space in our hearts.
Our special animal dedication offers an opportunity to remember and celebrate the companions we have loved, honour the memories we shared with them and keep their light shining brightly.
Christmas is a season of wishes
For families living with terminal illness, those wishes are often beautifully simple — to feel safe, loved, and surrounded by the people who matter most. By taking part in Light up a Life and dedicating a star in memory of someone dearly missed this Christmas, you’ll help Rotherham Hospice make those wishes come true.
With every donation of £20 or more, you’ll receive
- A stainless steel engraved star ornament with space for the name of your loved one
- A Christmas card from the team at Rotherham Hospice
- Your loved one’s dedication included in the Rotherham Advertiser
- A chance to join others at our Light Up a Life procession
FAQ
Light Up a Life is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones while supporting Rotherham Hospice. By making a suggested donation, you can dedicate a light in memory of someone special and help ensure local families continue to receive vital hospice care.
No. Everyone is welcome to participate.
You can dedicate a light in memory of anyone special to you, including family members, friends, colleagues, or neighbours. This year we have also introduced dedications for our beloved pets.
You can dedicate a light by completing the online form, returning a dedication form, or contacting the hospice directly.
We suggest a minimum donation of £20, but any gift, large or small, is greatly appreciated. All donations go towards caring for the Rotherham community.
Names may be displayed in our Book of Remembrance which will be shown in the Rotherham Advertiser. Please let us know if you would prefer your dedication to not feature in the Rotherham Advertiser. For those who would like your loved ones name to appear in the Rotherham Advertiser, please ensure you dedication is received at the hospice by Monday 7th December.
Yes, to ensure your dedicated star is safely delivered in time for Christmas day, please ensure all dedications are received at the hospice by Tuesday 15th December. We cannot guarantee that any dedications made after this date will arrive in time for Christmas day.
Yes. If you prefer not to have a name displayed publicly, please let us know when making your dedication.
Yes. Everyone is welcome to attend. Details of location, date, and times are shared on our website and in communications.
The route will start at Four Clocks in Effingham Square. We will walk up to Rotherham Minster. We estimate the procession will take approx.. 15 minutes to walk.
No, booking is not needed for this event. If you require any additional access requirements, please let us know.
Many people take part without attending. Your dedication will still be included, and you will remain an important part of the campaign.
Donations help the hospice provide specialist care and support to patients and families across the Rotherham community.
Yes. You are welcome to remember multiple loved ones and pets through your dedication.
If you are a UK taxpayer, you may be able to add Gift Aid to your donation at no extra cost to you.
Please contact our Fundraising Team on 01709 966 000 or fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk, and we will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.
Other ways to get involved
We have plenty of events throughout the year to keep you busy! Whether you join hundreds of those walking in memory at our Midnight Walk, take on a challenge like a Skydive or Yorkshire Three Peaks, or run for #TeamRH, find something fun and for a good cause.
We’re a local, independent charity providing personalised end of life care for people across Rotherham. Whether at home or in our hospice, our focus is on what matters most to each individual and offering comfort, dignity and choice throughout. We rely on your donations to keep our vital services going. Any donation, big or small, helps us add more life every day to our patients and their loved ones.
Whether it’s a bake sale in your community, a quiz night at your local or even a special challenge you’ve always wanted to do for yourself – we’re here to help you at every step! Get in touch and we’ll provide you with fundraising materials, advice and encouragement along the way.