A widower and his children are urging people to Light up a Life for Christmas in memory of someone special who has died.

Chris Green, 45, from Batchwood Drive, St Albans, and his children Tom, 15, and Florrie, 12, will be dedicating a light this year in memory of their wife and mum Sarah, who spent five weeks at the Hospice of St Francis following a cancer diagnosis in 2012 and passed away there in March last year, aged just 46.

The Hospice of St Francis, which is in Berkhamsted but serves the St Albans district, is inviting people to dedicate a light to remember family and friends who have died.

As well as caring for Sarah throughout her illness, the hospice has also continued to support Tom and Florrie, who alongside their dad, have both attended the Teen Cooking with Chris course which uses food as therapy.

Florrie also attends Drawbridge, a children’s art therapy group, while Tom attends the Teen Drop-in group.

Said Chris, “It’s hard to believe that it’s over 18 months since Sarah was admitted to the hospice. What stands out for me is that even though their mum died here, the children have never not wanted to come back.

“I can never thank the hospice enough for providing such fantastic care for Sarah and for continuing to provide support for families like ours. This year, we are dedicating a light in memory of her – she was such a lovely warm person, a really tactile, caring mum.”

Anyone can dedicate a light in memory of someone special and star dedication cards will be displayed at the hospice all over the Christmas period. Last Sunday (6), the lights on the Hospice Remembrance Tree were illuminated and will burn brightly throughout the festive season.

Dedicating a light in memory of someone special is free but the hospice welcomes any donations for its Light up a Life Appeal to help support its work over the Christmas period and beyond.