For Gordon’s family, December has always been a special time. Gordon and his wife both have December birthdays, and the family would celebrate together with a party each year. Now, December is also a time to remember Gordon — and Light up a Life has become a much-loved family tradition.
Gordon was a calm, caring and quietly funny person. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he became a police officer, spending 20 years helping people across Sutton, Kensington, and Hammersmith.
He was affectionately known as ‘Flash’ by his police colleagues, after an unsuccessful attempt to chase someone early in his career. The nickname stuck — so much so that his colleagues wore Flash badges and even had tattoos made in his memory. To this day, our nurses wear a Flash pin on their lanyards in his honour.
“He had this calming, reassuring nature and such incredible warmth that people would gravitate to,” his wife remembers. “He was one of those people who would just sit and listen to you.”
When Gordon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his family were referred to St Raphael’s. The hospice supported not only Gordon, but his wife and children too, helping with practical things as well as providing care and emotional support.
“They weren’t just looking at how they could support Gordon, but how they could support me and the kids, too.”
Gordon chose to spend his final days at St Raphael’s, surrounded by his family. His friends and police colleagues were welcomed too, and shortly before he died, they organised a special party for him at the hospice.
For Gordon’s family, the warmth and care they received made St Raphael’s feel like family.
“Coming in here was like that for Gordon and our family. In that moment of life for us, they weren’t nurses or doctors. They felt like family.”
Today, Gordon’s family return to St Raphael’s each year for Light up a Life. They travel together to remember Gordon, celebrate his life and spend time with others remembering the people they love. As chance to pause, remember and find a little peace.
“For us, it’s not lead by sadness. Coming together at Light up a Life gives us a sense of calm, peace and just that special time to really think about them. You’re celebrating their life and I will always want to celebrate my husband’s life.”