THERE is just over a week to go until the annual Light Up A Life switch-on for Wirral Hospice St John's.

Thousands of lights on trees in the Clatterbridge-based hospice gardens will be turned on during the ceremony on Sunday, December 2.

Andrew Scaife, chaplaincy team leader from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will lead the service.

Wirral brothers Mathew and Cameron will then flick the switch in memory of dad Kenneth, who died at the hospice in October last year.

Leading the congregation in singing of carols will be the Cantemus Choir, accompanied by Wirral Schools' Brass Band.

Now in its 18th year, the Globe-backed campaign raises much-needed funds for the hospice.

Lights are sponsored in the names of lost loved ones. The switch-on wiill take place at 5.30pm and lights will remain lit until twelfth night in January.

This is a special event looked forward to by many people who have found comfort in celebrating the lives of people who are special to them.

Last year's switch-on raised £100,000 for hospice running costs and there is still time to sponsor a light.

Lesley Woodhead, fundraising manager at Wirral Hospice St John’s, said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the event this year.

"We welcome the coupons and there is still plenty of time to sponsor a light.

"There is still time to honour someone by lighting a light and you can do this on line at our website, by completeing the form here or by calling the office on 343 0778."

The names of those honoured will feature in special books which will be placed in the hospice chapel.

They will be on view from 4pm on the day and then 5-7 daily until Friday, December 7.

To sponsor a light, complete the form in this week's Wirral Globe.

For the first time this year lights can also be sponsored on line at www.justgiving.com/Lesley-Woodhead1

You can also support the fundraising campaign by purchasing special pinbadges from the hospice.