The husband and daughter of a young west Belfast woman who died from ovarian cancer will light the first candle of remembrance on this year’s NI Hospice Christmas tree.
Christopher Smith said it will be a “way for us to celebrate Leancha’s life” after she sadly passed away in hospice care in August 2023, aged 31.
Now in its 30th year, the Lights to Remember appeal invites people from across Northern Ireland to dedicate a light on the hospice Christmas tree in memory of their loved ones.
Each light helps support the hospice’s palliative care services, reaching families throughout the north.
This year’s Lights to Remember service will take place on Thursday at Dominican College in Belfast, followed by a candlelight procession to nearby Somerton House, the adult in-patient unit.
Lights to Remember - Christopher and LeanchaLeancha Smith was only 31 years old when she sadly passed away in our In-Patient Unit in August 2023. 💜 Her husband, Christopher, has generously shared their family’s story and how Hospice supported them during this deeply difficult time. This year, Christopher will be joined by their daughter, Meabh, at our Lights to Remember service, where they will switch on the lights at our annual service as a poignant tribute to all the bereaved families across Northern Ireland. 🕯️ 👉 To dedicate a light on our virtual tree or to learn more about this year's service, visit: https://brnw.ch/21wOn2h
Posted by Northern Ireland Hospice on Monday 4 November 2024
Christopher and his young daughter, Meabh, will at the heart of this year’s service and will light the first candle of remembrance.
Leancha, the oldest of five siblings, had worked for Youth Link NI, an inter-church organisation focusing on bringing young people from different backgrounds together.
With a strong Christian faith, it was through her youth ministry work at Clonard Monastery that she met her husband Christopher.
After welcoming their daughter Meabh in 2016, they married two years later and made their home in the St James’ area.
First diagnosed with cancer more than two years ago, she underwent chemotherapy, but her condition deteriorated.
Admitted to hospital, she was later transferred to hospice care, where she passed away.
“The hospice provided us with incredible support during an unimaginably difficult time, bringing comfort and care to Leancha and allowing us moments of peace together,” said Christopher.
“We’re honoured to take part in the Lights to Remember service.
“It’s a way for us to celebrate Leancha’s life and to be part of a community that understands the depth of love and loss.”
Following the service, Christopher and Meabh will officially switch on the Christmas lights at Somerton House, illuminating the Hospice’s tree in a tribute to all those who have died.
✨ For 24 years, Brendan McEvoy has been a cherished part of our Lights to Remember service, leading the lantern procession to Somerton House Hospice with grace and dedication. Brendan holds countless beautiful memories of this special event, including the year it began to snow as the final light was switched on—a truly magical moment. ❄️ For Brendan, and so many others, the Lights to Remember service is more than a tradition—it’s a way to honour loved ones, reflect, and find peace in their memory. 💜 👉 Join us this year as we continue this heartwarming tradition at 7pm on December 19th at Dominican College, or dedicate a light to your loved one today: https://brnw.ch/21wPnpU
Posted by Northern Ireland Hospice on Thursday 12 December 2024
Lauren Doherty from NI Hospice said: “Lights to Remember is a cherished tradition at hospice that is now marking its 30th anniversary.
“It’s a chance for families to come together, not just those who have experienced hospice care, but anyone who is touched by bereavement and loss.
“Through carols, reflections, and heartfelt readings, we find comfort in each other’s presence, illuminating the darkness with memories and love this Christmas season.”
Please visit nihospice.org/light for information.
