LIGHT UP DECEMBER 2026
Light a candle every day in December in honour of someone affected by sepsis.
From 1st–31st December, we’re inviting you to light a candle each day in honour of someone affected by sepsis, share their story, and reflect.
By taking part, you’ll be joining a compassionate community of survivors, bereaved families, and supporters – all helping to spread light and hope this Christmas.
Sepsis affects 245,000 people every year in the UK, claiming around 48,000 lives. Together, we can work to end preventable deaths, improve outcomes, and support those who have been affected.
What is Light Up December?
Light Up December is a simple, meaningful way to remember someone who’s been affected by sepsis, whether that’s a loved one, a sepsis survivor, or yourself.
Light a candle each day, share your story, and raise funds to support other families.
How do I get involved?
1. Register
Register for Light Up December and make December a month of reflection and remembrance. You’ll then receive an email from us with your next steps.
2. Light a candle in memory
Light a candle every day every day of December, at whatever time suits you. Take a moment each day to remember and dedicate your light to someone special.
If you’d like to fundraise alongside lighting your candle, you can set up a JustGiving page here.
3. Share on socials
Share your dedication, candle photos, and stories on social media using #LightUpDecember – and don’t forget to tag us @uksepsistrust so we can see and share your posts too.
By supporting us this Christmas, you’ll be helping someone like Lauren
In December 2023, Lauren was diagnosed with Group A streptococcus, double pneumonia, and sepsis. She spent the Christmas holidays in ICU, away from her little boy.
Thankfully, Lauren recovered, but her return home wasn’t straightforward, and recovery was challenging. At times, she was too weak to even hold a book. In search of reassurance and connection, Lauren reached out to the UK Sepsis Trust’s Support Nurses, who offered her comfort, advice, and support when she needed it most.
An estimated 40% of people who have had sepsis experience physical, cognitive, and psychological aftereffects, just like Lauren.
This Christmas, you can help us provide vital support to someone like Lauren. Just £28 covers one hour with one of our Support Nurses – an hour that can have a life-changing impact.
FAQs
Why do we light a candle in memory of someone?
People light candles for someone who has passed away as a gentle way to honour their memory and find comfort during grief. The light itself can bring comfort and warmth, creating a quiet space to reflect. It’s a practice that’s been used for many years.
Can I still join if I don’t want to fundraise publicly?
Of course! You can choose to make a personal donation instead of setting up a page. Every contribution helps us continue our life-saving work.
Who can take part in Light Up December?
Anyone can take part! Whether you’ve lost someone to sepsis, survived sepsis yourself, or know someone who’s been affected, we invite you to dedicate your candles to whoever is important to you.
How do I take part?
Click here to register and we’ll email you with the next steps.
Then, throughout December, light a candle each day and take a moment to reflect. We also invite you to leave a dedication via our Light Up December page here.
Is there a cost to take part?
There’s no cost to sign up, but we ask for a donation when creating your dedication on our Light Up December page.
If you kindly choose to donate £10, we’ll send you a UK Sepsis Trust paper advent candle to use throughout December, marking off each day as you light your candle. Your donation will help us continue supporting people and families affected by sepsis.