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 this year's outdoor ceremony - due to take place in the hospice gardens on Sunday, December 5 - has been cancelled and will now take place online that night instead.

Last year's service also took place online.

The event raises vital funds for the hospice.

The one-minute long video features families walking through the hospice gardens surrounded by the lights in the trees, with a reflective poem and music capturing the spirit of Light up a Life and the comfort it brings to so many people.

The video is available to view now by visiting www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife

To keep everyone safe, the hospice has made the difficult decision to cancel the outdoor Light up a Life switch-on service.

However, if people would like to visit the lights in a small family group they can book a fifteen minute time slot on one of the evenings following the lights being switched on also by visiting www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife

The short film will capture the spirit of the lights switch-on, interspersed with reflective songs from our hospice choir, families walking and pausing for thought under the lights, scenes from hospice life as well as heartfelt readings from the hospice team, including some wonderful volunteers.

This is the 25th year of Light up a Life where 10,000 beautiful lights shine out brightly from the trees and buildings in and around the hospice gardens each evening, in the run up to and throughout Christmas time.

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

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 rose gold metallic 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 5 which will aim to capture the unique atmosphere of the lights switch-on service.

"We'll really miss sharing that special togetherness in person 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, call 0151 343 0778 or visit www.wirralhospice.org/light-up-a-life to make a donation online