AN inspiring film has been produced to remind people why support for this year's Wirral Hospice St John's Light up a Life is more important than ever.

Social distancing measures enforced because of the coronavirus mean that this year's outdoor ceremony - which was due to take place in the hospice gardens on Sunday, December 6 - has been cancelled and will now take place online that night instead.

Lasting for one minute and 45 seconds, the film features hospice staff in the hospice gardens surrounded by some of the 10,000 lights in the trees that will be switched on during the virtual ceremony on December 6.

The short film can be viewed now by visiting www.wirralhospice.org/light-up-a-life

The viewing of loved one’s names in the hospice Books of Honour is also cancelled this year.

People who sponsor a light also have the name of the person they are remembering entered into the specially produced books which, for this year, will be available to view online while a personal copy can be pre-ordered for viewing at home.

The virtual Light up a Life service will capture the spirit of the lights switch-on, interspersed with carols from a socially-distanced hospice choir featuring locally renowned singer, Sarah Mullis.

It will also include recollections of people whose families have experienced the hospice's dedicated care as well as heartfelt thoughts and readings from the hospice team, including some wonderful volunteers.

After a difficult year, where many events have been cancelled and the hospice charity shops had to close for several months, support is needed more than ever.

The hospice is therefore inviting everyone, individuals and businesses, to sponsor a light to remember their loved ones and to help fund the hospice’s cherished medical and nursing services.

A Light up a Life card with a personalised greeting will be sent out to all who request one and there is also the opportunity to buy a metallic silver star tree decoration keepsake inscribed with the words, 'Light up a Life'.

Jamie-Leigh Burgess, the hospice's senior fundraising officer, said: "This first short film is a poignant reminder of the uplifting and meaningful way Light up a Life helps people find comfort when remembering their loved ones at this time of the year.

"We're recording a second film ready for 6pm on December 6 which will aim, as far as possible, to capture the unique atmosphere of the lights switch-on service.

"We'll miss sharing that special togetherness in person in this challenging year but we must give grateful thanks to all of our wonderful hospice supporters who are continuing to make generous donations to their local hospice through Light up a Life."

To sponsor a light for Light up a Life please call 0151 343 0778 or visit www.wirralhospice.org/light-up-a-life to donate online