Celebrate a Life

Who is your shining star?

Each year, thousands of stars are named and hung on Christmas trees outside our hospitals. Behind every star is a story, and Celebrate a Life is a unique way to celebrate those most special to you.

By naming a star and adding a message for someone special with your donation, you will make a vital difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Name your star

Find your star

Once you've named your special star and added your message, you can search for it on our virtual tree by typing the name into the box below.

Jenny Stephenson
A group of men in blue wooly hats stand infront of the lit up facade of The Royal Marsden hospital in Chelsea. They are singing carols.

Celebrate a Life carol services

For over 20 years, we have gathered at The Royal Marsden for our Celebrate a Life carol services to celebrate the lives of those most special to us.

This year our services will take place on Tuesday 3 December in Sutton and Thursday 5 December in Chelsea. We will also livestream the services online for those who are unable to join us in person. 

Find out more about the carol services. 

Find out more
A string of gold stars on a Christmas tree. The middle star is in focus and has 'Anne' hand written on it.

Your shining stars

Celebrate a Life is a truly wonderful way to celebrate the lives of those who are special to you. 

There are many different reasons why people choose to name a star. You can name a star in memory of someone special or to thank a shining star at the hospital, who made a difference when you needed it most. Or you could celebrate someone special in your life right now. 

Discover some of the stories behind the stars. 

Read the stories
Green background with sparkles

Taking part in Celebrate a Life every year is our new tradition. I really would recommend taking part in Celebrate a Life and going to the carol service. It is a powerful way to come together.

Alison, who names a star in memory of her son Dylan-James.
A brass star shaped Christmas tree decoration, hung on a tree with a green ribbon.

Commemorative stars

Pin badges

When you name a star, you can choose to receive a gold star pin badge that you can wear or give as a gift. For each star named you can add one pin. 

A star decoration for your tree at home

You can also celebrate those special to you with a Royal Marsden Cancer Charity brass star decoration, to hang on your Christmas tree at home. This unique decoration will be engraved with this year's date. When you name a star, you will have the option to add a star decoration for an additional suggested donation of £5.

Name your star

Read the stories behind the stars

Name your shining star today

Every star names helps make a vital difference to people affected by cancer.

Name your star