'Steady' support for Wirral hospice Light Up A Life campaign (From Wirral Globe)

'Steady' support for Wirral hospice Light Up A Life campaign

1:25pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By Craig Manning

ORGANISERS of Wirral St John’s Hospice Light Up A Life appeal say there has been a 'steady' show of support for the fundraiser this year.

Now in its 18th year, the campaign raises much-needed funds for the hospice. Thousands of lights strewn from trees in the hospice grounds are sponsored in the names of lost loved ones.

The switch-on will take place in the hospice gardens on Sunday, December 2, at 5.30pm.

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.

The names of those honoured are placed in special books which will be placed in the hospice chapel. They will be on view from 4pm on the day and then from 5-7 daily until Friday, December 7.

Lesley Woodhead, fundraising manager at the hospice: "We have had a steady show of support for this year’s campaign, with a few dedication forms for lights coming in to the office. It's early days and I am confident hundreds of forms in the coming weeks.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported Light Up A Life over the years.

"We really want people to continue to support the hospice with events like this."

Following the December 2 switch-on the lights will remain lit until twelfth night in January.

Last year, more than one thousand people turned out for the ceremony, raising more than £100,000 for running costs.

Performing the switch-on was Emma Hughes from Wallasey. Her mum, Julie was diagnosed with lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and a tumour of the spine in February last year. She died in St John's Hospice two years ago, aged 43.

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