For the first time this year, the gardens at St John’s Hospice will be transformed into the In Loving Memory Garden, illuminated by hundreds of stars dedicated to people who hold a special place in the hearts of the local community.

For £25, people can dedicate a star in memory of a loved one. Visitors can write their own message on their dedication plaque when they visit or provide a special message for the Hospice team to prepare in advance.

Each dedicated star will form part of the inaugural In Loving Memory Garden and will be available to collect from the Hospice from 2 January 2027, allowing families to take their star home as a lasting keepsake.

Those who have dedicated a star can visit the garden free of charge. For those who have not made a dedication, entry is available for a £2 donation per adult.

A £25 star dedication could help deliver five mornings at the Hospice’s weekly Grief Café, providing a welcoming space where bereaved people can come together over a cup of tea, share their experiences of loss and connect with others who understand.

Noor, who recently received bereavement support from St John’s Hospice, said:

“I didn’t know what to expect at first, and I was nervous about attending, but every time I left, I felt lighter and more understood. The biggest thing this support has given me is the reassurance that I am not alone. Being with people who truly understand what you’re going through makes such a difference.”

Claire Lubbock, Senior Fundraising Manager, explains the impact of your support “Everyone who dedicates a star light is not only creating a beautiful tribute to their loved ones, but they are also fuelling the vital care St John’s provides across our community. At a time when the need for our services is increasing and raising funds can be challenging, each star represents a shining moment of generosity and care, all in memory of some very special people.”

The In Loving Memory Garden is just one of several opportunities to support St John’s Hospice this festive season. For those looking for a more active way to fundraise, Santa in the City on 10 December, offers the chance to take part in a 5K walk, jog or run through the heart of London dressed as Santa. Starting at Paternoster Square, participants will join hundreds of other Santas and receive a free five-piece Santa suit and exclusive finisher’s medal.

The Hospice will also host its annual Light Up a Life celebration on 8 December at St John’s Wood Church, a remembrance multi-faith service followed by a reception at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The event is open to everyone, whether or not they have a connection to St John’s Hospice, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and remember those who are no longer with us.

Music lovers can also enjoy a Candlelight Concert in the beautiful on-site chapel on 17 December, featuring music from The News, a close harmony group of New College, Oxford.

St John’s Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Alongside its Inpatient Unit and Wellbeing Centre in St John’s Wood, its teams provide care in people’s homes across North, West and Central London, supporting almost 5,000 people each year. Every donation helps make this care possible.

To find out more about the In Loving Memory Garden, dedicate a star, or discover other events and ways to get involved over the festive season, visit www.stjohnshospice.org.uk.