THE Wirral Globe and our readers have been praised for helping this year's Light Up A Life campaign raise almost £90,000.

Upton brothers Tomas and Louie Stiles turned the 6,000 lights on during a ceremony at the Clatterbridge hospice on Sunday night watched by more than 3,000 people.

The Globe-backed appeal, now in its 19th year, raises much-needed funds for the organisation, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

This year's campaign has so far raised more than £88,000 and the money is still being coming in.

The Globe has been a long-time supporter, helping inspire our readers to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one.

Hayley Gough, events manager for Wirral Hospice St John's said today: "We would like to thank Wirral Globe for their continued support of this special event over many years and all in the local community for their generous donations, which are now standing at over £88,000.

"This is a very special event for the Hospice and the Wirral community and we give our grateful thanks to everyone who has been involved in and supported Light up a Life in our 30th Anniversary Year."

Radio Merseyside’s Helen Jones was compere during Sunday's switch-on and was well-received by the audience, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and to time. 

Jenny Sinclair, daughter of the late Lady Grace Sheppard and The Rt Reverend Lord David Sheppard, who spoke about her experience of the work of Wirral Hospice. 

The service concluded with a blessing from The Bishop of Birkenhead, Rt Reverend Keith Sinclair.
 

A special carol service for the hospice will take place at St James Church in New Brighton tonight Wednesday, December 4, at 7.30pm.

The names of those honoured will feature in special books that will be on view from 5-7pm daily until Friday, December 6.

The fundraising for this year's appeal is not over. Lights can still be sponsored and you can also buy special pinbadges from the hospice.

Further details are from www.wirralhospice.org

To see Globe photographer Paul Heaps' gallery of pictures from Sunday's event, click on the link on the related links below.