Derry boys who lost mum to cancer to switch on Christmas 'lights of love'

A Derry dad has described how his sons were "so happy and surprised" to see their dying mum on Christmas morning last year, after a local charity helped her make it home for one last Christmas together.

Richard Wilson and his two sons, Jake and Noah, lost their wife and mother Kelly on New Year's Eve last year, just months after she was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. She spent her final weeks being cared for by the end-of-life charity Foyle Hospice in Derry. She passed away just days before her 40th birthday.

Richard has described how the charity helped his wife make 'Memory Bears' from her clothes for their two sons, and how the boys were "so happy and surprised to see her" on Christmas morning last year - after the charity helped her make it home before the boys got out of bed to open their presents.

Read more: Derry women praise charity for 'incredible' support during cancer victim sister's final days

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Foyle Hospice has now officially launched its annual Lights of Love Appeal that will see hundreds of beautiful twinkling lights shining bright in memory of loved ones on the Hospice Christmas tree.

Every December, Foyle Hospice invites the community to come together for a special ceremony with a local family to switch on the Christmas tree lights located on the Hospice grounds. And this year Richard, Jake and Noah will do the honours.

“In the summer of 2023, Kelly didn't feel well and knew in her heart that something was seriously wrong," Richard explained. "She was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer and, by September, was being seen by the Foyle Hospice Community nursing team in our home.

"There were big changes to our daily routine as she struggled to find things that she could eat and was in treatment. The nurses continued to come to the house and support us, and by the end of November, we could see that Kelly was getting quite ill.

“On November 27th, it was decided that Kelly would go into Foyle Hospice. Initially, we thought it would be a short stay and did not know what to expect. The staff were amazing with all of us and particularly good with the kids, who came to think of the hospice as a place to visit their mother, play, and get sweets."

He continued: "Along with the team in the inpatient unit, Kelly met with Michelle, the Healing Hearts facilitator who works with families with children. They spoke about the importance of making memories, and Kelly loved the idea of creating Memory Bears for the boys.

"She gave Michelle a pair of her pyjamas and a dressing gown, and the bears were made within two days. She picked the clothes herself, knowing they were soft and cuddly and the bears would be something they could cuddle and treasure. Kelly gave the bears to the children, telling them she had them specially made for the boys to bring home. She gave the bears as a gift to the boys, knowing they would mean so much more as they got older.

"A bear was also made for Kelly’s mother. Its pocket holds a lovely handkerchief that Kelly gave her on our wedding day.”

Richard went on to describe the extremely special Santa visit which Foyle Hospice arranged specially for their children.

“Kelly loved Christmas and wanted to take the kids to see Santa, but she was not well enough," he said. "Foyle Hospice arranged to have Santa come to them. The boys were surprised and delighted when Santa came and spent over an hour with them. He brought gifts and sweets for them to enjoy. We all made very special memories with Kelly and the boys that day."

According to Richard, Kelly’s focus became getting home for Christmas morning, and with the help of the Foyle Hospice staff, her wish became a reality.

"She arrived at the house before the boys came down the stairs on Christmas morning," he said. "They were so happy and surprised to see her that they ran straight to Kelly, ignoring the pile of presents under the tree that Santa had brought."

He continued: "Kelly's idea for a fundraising page was to focus not on her illness but on what we can do to help Foyle Hospice and ensure it is here for everyone who needs it. She was adamant that we tell her story so that patients and their families could benefit from Foyle Hospice.

"Last year, Kelly attended the Tree-Lighting Ceremony as a patient in the unit. The boys and I will light the tree this year in her memory. I know that Kelly would be happy that we continue supporting the hospice after everything they did for us."

A spokesperson for Foyle Hospice said: "If you wish to dedicate a light, you can do so by returning a Lights of Love tag that you have received in the post or sponsor a light on the Christmas Tree on the grounds. Tree tags are available for you to write a personal message which you can post back to Foyle Hospice along with your donation.

The Foyle Hospice Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, 19th of December and is open to the public. If you wish to donate to the Lights of Love appeal, there are several ways you can do this.

• Foyle Hospice website: www.foylehospice.com/donate/

• The Virtual Tree: www.visufund.com/foyle-hospice-lights-of-love

• Foyle Hospice Facebook page: www.facebook.com/foyle.hospice/

• Contact Fundraising: 02871 359 888."