Bob Hoskins and Lynda Bellingham at the Lights to
Remember ceremony. Photo courtesy of Nigel Sutton
He said: "I love this place. It's a funny thing to admit, but on the 25th of May in a very beautiful room my dad died here.
"It came after a very stressful couple of months when he had been in and out of hospital.
"We knew he was dying and we took him to the hospice.
"He was drifting in and out of consciousness, being tended by this very sweet and gentle nurse with a big beatific smile on his face.
"He would come back into consciousness and say, 'I know I am dying and it's OK.'
"The hospital helped him to hang on but as soon as he came here they helped him to let go. Because it was OK for him, it was OK for us.
”He had a long and happy life in a long and happy marriage and because of the people here he was quite content to go. And that is why I love this place.”
The ceremonies take place each year to allow people to gather together and remember their loved ones by lighting candles and singing carols.
Supporters also have the chance to support the work of Marie Curie nurses as they care for terminally-ill patients over the Christmas period.
Hospice manager Rachel Anticoni said: “At this time of year we take time to remember the 500 patients we have cared for - 300 of whom have passed away - and all their families who are feeling so empty at this time, coping with that loss.”
