Trees of Light helps to keep loved ones close together at Christmas

Making a donation to Leamington Spa Rotary Club’s Trees of Light campaign can help terminally ill people spend their final days with their loved ones in happiness.
Matthew Beresford with his children Sam, Sophie and Zoe.Matthew Beresford with his children Sam, Sophie and Zoe.
Matthew Beresford with his children Sam, Sophie and Zoe.

That was what happened for father-of-three Matt Beresford, who spent his final Christmas with his children at the Myton Hospice in Warwick last year before he died five days later on December 30.

Mr Beresford, 45, was admitted to Myton in October 2013 and his 23-year-old daughter Zoe gave up her job to stay there with him and to be by his side.

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Zoe said: “Christmas Day was very surreal as dad was so poorly but it was amazing to all be able to be together as a family.

“Dad always loved it when we were all home for Christmas and used to get excited for us to be together.

“My brother and sister came up and we opened our presents and had Christmas dinner and brought lots of visitors who were all made very welcome.

“The day was the best it could possibly be for us.”

The Rotary Club is supporting Myton again through its Trees of Light campaign.

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Over the years the campaign has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

The trees of light, first lit up at switch-on events in November, are shining outside Leamington town hall and St Margaret’s church in Whitnash.

The lights will shine throughout Christmas and the new year.

People can make donations and dedicate a light to a loved one by using the coupon provided or going online.

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The names of those remembered are displayed at the Royal Priors, outside Leamington town hall, St Margaret’s church and at Whitnash library.

For more information and to make a donation to the cause go online. www.mytonhospice.org/treeoflight

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