THERE are two weeks to go until this year's Light Up A Life switch-on for Wirral Hospice St John's - and its organisers need your support more than ever.
Taking place on Sunday, December 5, the event - now in its 25th year - raises vital funds for the hospice's work, but will have a different feel as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
In a repeat of last year's switch-on, a pre-recorded service will take place online that night 6pm.
Ten thousand lights will be switched on in memory of loved ones at Wirral Hospice St John's.
They will shine out brightly from trees and buildings in and around the hospice gardens, each evening in the run up to and throughout Christmas time.
It is a moving, meaningful and uplifting way for families to commemorate and celebrate the lives of loved ones no longer with us.
The whole community, individuals and businesses, can sponsor a light to remember family and friends with all the donations helping to fund the hospice’s cherished medical and nursing services.
In a repeat of last year, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the outdoor Light up a Life switch-on service, in order to keep everyone safe.
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 by visiting www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife
The tree after last year's switch-on at Wirral Hospice St John's
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 lovely rose gold metallic star tree decoration keepsake inscribed with the words, 'Light up a Life'.
Julia Evans, the hospice's fundraising development manager, said: "For the past 25 years Light up a Life has brought people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel, especially around Christmas time.
"Furthermore, our whole Wirral community, recognising the especially challenging circumstances we've all been through, have been so generous in supporting the hospice.
"Although we can't host a full outdoor switch on service yet, we'll look forward to seeing those who can visit for a short walk through the lights this year.
"We really cannot thank people enough as they continue to make their kind and thoughtful donations for Light up a Life which makes a massive contribution to the specialist care the hospice provides to our patients, their families and friends."
To sponsor a light for Light up a Life, call 0151 343 0778 or visit www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife
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