Henry illuminates tree for Highway Hospice
Don't miss the Highway Hospice's Tree of Light ceremony this Friday. It is a wonderful way to remember loved ones who have passed on.
HONOURED is the feeling experienced by Pinetown resident, Henry McClure, after he was chosen to switch on the Highway Hospice’s Tree of Light at Jameson Park in Durban this Friday.
Henry has been a Hospice patient for the last four years.
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He was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma, a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells in his spine, at Albert Luthuli Hospital in 2013.
After his diagnosis, he joined Highway Hospice and was determined to fight this dreaded disease.
He has also praised Hospice for the love and care they showed his wife, Pamela-Ann McClure (72) after her sudden diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer a few weeks ago.
She was admitted to Hospice immediately after her diagnoses, but sadly passed on.
Henry described the Tree of Light ceremony as a touching tribute to all those who have lost a loved one to a terminal disease.
This year, he purchased a globe in memory of his wife.
“I am honoured by the whole affair and pray that I can make Hospice proud.
“This is a sad occasion for me, remembering my loved one and her sudden death. I was diagnosed and told I didn’t have much time, but a few years later my beloved wife got ill and passed on suddenly, before me,” said a heartbroken Henry.
He added that Hospice is a worthy cause that the community should support and any donation would be welcome for the sterling work they do.
Heather Walker, Highway Hospice fund-raiser, has been selecting the person to switch on the lights on the Tree of Light for the last 25 years.
She said she chose Henry for his sincerity and kindness.
“Henry has been in and out of the Hospice unit for the last couple of years. He has always been so grateful for the care and never worrying to staff. He calls the unit his ‘home away from home’, “said Walker.
The Tree of Light ceremony starts at 6pm with music with a Christmas theme supplied by dedicated volunteer musicians.
ALSO READ: Loads of entertainment planned for Hospice’s Tree of Light ceremony
There are food stalls but you can also take your own picnic basket along, as well as a blanket and an umbrella in case it rains – there will be a few tents erected as a standby.
The actual lighting of the 12-metre high tree takes place at 7.45pm (weather permitting) when more than 9 000 globes light up with a soft radiance.
The tree will shine throughout December in memory of those who have passed on.
If you would like to remember a loved one for this special event, please let Highway Hospice have your donation of R60 per globe.
Forms are available at www.mylight.co.za and please indicate who you are remembering so that your dedication can be placed in the Book of Remembrance that evening.
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