Brian’s Story

Attending the Lights for Love Ceremony holds a special significance for my family. It all began on the morning of December 9, 2013, when my wife Rose suffered a brain haemorrhage. She was immediately rushed to the hospital and placed on life support in a private room, allowing us some precious moments with her. That evening, we were approached by a woman from the organ donation team, revealing that Rose had chosen to be an organ donor – a decision she hadn’t shared with us. Despite the shock, we honoured her wish, and she ended up saving the lives of three individuals through her selfless act.

It was a friend who had lost his wife in the hospice who introduced us to the Lights for Love service, and we have attended every ceremony since, dedicating each one to Rose.

The timing of the Lights for Love service is particularly poignant for us, as it falls near the anniversary of Rose’s passing. The service, with its traditional carol singing, evokes memories of the joyful Christmases we shared as a family. The act of lighting candles in Rose’s memory symbolises the eternal flame of love that will continue to burn in our hearts. Through this ceremony, we find solace in the love and emotions that envelop us, keeping Rose’s spirit alive in our hearts forever.

Brian Banks
Rochester, Kent

Written in memory of Rose Banks

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