Pendleside Hospice is honoured to have Maria Burnett leading the upcoming Light Up a Life service on the 22nd of December, 2024.

This event holds special significance for Maria as she reflects on the life of her husband, Peter Burnett, and the support they both received during his final months.

Our annual Light Up a Life event offers a chance for everyone to remember their loved ones during the Christmas season. We invite the whole community to participate, regardless of whether they have used our services. 

Maria and Peter’s journey began in 1993 when they met at The Prince of Wales pub in Nelson. In 1999, following Peter’s brain haemorrhage and stroke, they moved in together, with Maria becoming his primary caregiver. By 2004, they were married, solidifying their commitment to each other.

Peter’s professional life began early, with an apprenticeship at Smith & Nephew at the age of 15. He dedicated 20 years to the company before taking redundancy and opening a fruit and vegetable shop in Colne. Unfortunately, after his illness, Peter’s health prevented him from returning to work. Maria, a devoted teacher of 27 years, spent the last 17 years of her career at Marsden Heights Community College, before retiring last year.

As a couple, Maria and Peter enjoyed spending time at their caravan, dining out, and being with family and friends. Peter had a passion for music and often played the keyboard, a talent that brought joy to their home. He also loved reading, fishing, and tinkering with cars—activities that defined his character.

In late September 2022, Peter was diagnosed with cancer, marking the beginning of a difficult period for both him and Maria. Despite starting radiotherapy in December, Peter’s health continued to decline, leading to serious concerns about his weight and overall well-being. On Christmas Eve, he was rushed to Blackburn Hospital with pneumonia and sepsis and eventually, a bed was found for him late on Christmas Day. Peter spent two subsequent weeks in hospital, travelling to Preston daily for radiotherapy. 

In March 2023, the couple experienced what Maria called, “10 golden days”. Peter wanted to go out for meals and socialise with friends, but by June, his health declined again, and he was placed back on a feeding tube. 

“I organised a rota for Peter’s appointments and daily treatments and attended every session with the consultant,” added Maria. “The school was really accommodating and once Peter was at Pendleside, I would often visit him during my free lessons. His illness is something we went through together and I fought for him as much as I could.”

“Although Peter was initially hesitant about being referred for hospice care, the palliative care team helped him to consider this option and he started receiving Hospice at Home support. Pendleside’s Nurse, Kate, was amazing and gave Peter the assurances he needed. However, by mid-August, managing his pain at home became increasingly difficult, which led to his admission to the inpatient unit at Pendleside Hospice.”

“Peter’s stay at the Hospice was intended to be temporary, with plans for him to return home in mid-September. Unfortunately, another infection kept him at the Hospice and on the 25th October 2023, Peter passed away.”

“I received bereavement support from Pendleside’s Family Support team, which enabled me to speak out about my feelings. Peter was my world, but the support I received gave me the strength to be on my own. In March this year, I shared my story at the Iftar event; a collaborative evening between Marsden Heights Community College and Pendleside Hospice. It was a good opportunity to raise awareness amongst the students, while helping them understand why I hadn’t always been there over the last few months. Prior to the Iftar event, we raised over £1,000 for the Hospice with a non-uniform day.”

“I am now retired, partly because of losing Peter, but also because it no longer seems as important as it once was. I have no firm plans right now. I would like to go travelling with my friend, but the focus right now is building a life on my own.”

“My family and I will forever be indebted to Pendleside Hospice and I want to raise as much awareness of them as I can.”

“I am so proud of Peter for the man he was. He would be deeply touched to know that, even in his passing, he is helping to support the Hospice that meant so much to him. By sharing my story, I’m able to honour him and keep his memory alive.”

The Light Up a Life event is held at Pendleside Hospice, and will feature a dedicated Celebration of Life service, carols, refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with the Family Support team.

Once again, we wish to thank our long-standing supporters, Alderson and Horan Funeral Services, for sponsoring this year's Light Up a Life campaign.