HUNDREDS watched as the 27th Light Up A Life switch-on for Wirral Hospice St John's took place at the weekend.

More than 1,000 people saw 10,000 bulbs turned on during the Globe-backed ceremony in the hospice gardens on Sunday night (December 10).

Pressing the button were the husband and children of Helen Parentini, from Moreton, who passed away at the hospice last year.

The lights will now shine out from the trees and buildings surrounding the hospice in the evenings in the run up to and throughout Christmas Time.

Wirral Globe: A tree in Wirral Hospice St John's Garden after the Light Up A Life switch-on took place on Sunday (December 10)A tree in Wirral Hospice St John's Garden after the Light Up A Life switch-on took place on Sunday (December 10) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)Before switching the lights on, Juan told the crowd:  "It's such a special honour to be asked to switch on the lights for Light up a Life.

"Helen was so grateful for the kindness and care she was given by the wonderful team at the hospice.

"By switching on the lights we are sending out a message of love to everyone who is remembering loved ones".

Wirral Globe: Helen Parentini (second from left) from Moreton, passed away at the hospice on September 18 last year. Wirral Hospice St John's light up a life switch-on took place on Sunday (December 10) in memory of her Helen Parentini (second from left) from Moreton, passed away at the hospice on September 18 last year. Wirral Hospice St John's light up a life switch-on took place on Sunday (December 10) in memory of her (Image: Billy Howard / Wirral Hospice St John's)The audience sang carols, accompanied by the hospice choir and the Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band.

Also providing the entertainment was singer and keyboard player Dionne Lammin with backing vocals by Emily Roberts and Amy Chalmers (also keyboard).

Wirral Globe: Some of the hundreds who watched the Light Up A Life switch-on in Wirral Hospice St John's Garden on Sunday (December 10)Some of the hundreds who watched the Light Up A Life switch-on in Wirral Hospice St John's Garden on Sunday (December 10) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)The names of those remembered will feature in books of honour that will be on display in the hospice quiet space.

The final total raised from this year's Light Up A Life campaign is not yet known, but all proceeds will be used for hospice running costs and money is still coming in.

Among those addressing the audience was Elizabeth Sirrett, a counsellor who is part of the hospice's patient and family services team. 

She commented on "how beautiful the lights are above us", adding: "I wonder if it might be that, at some time during the festive season, we may look up into the night sky and find some peace in the stars shining above us and recall particular times with those we loved and who we dearly miss.

"My work here as a counsellor brings me into contact with many who our hospice supports and often they express their feeling for those they  love so much and who they will leave behind.

"This makes the Light Up A Life event so special. It is our opportunity to commemorate and to honour the lives of those who loved us."

A spokesperson for the hospice told the Globe: "Over 27 years now, Wirral Hospice St John’s Light up a Life lights sponsorship and switch-on service has become a cherished Wirral tradition.

"Over those years it has helped to raise more than £2m towards the hospice’s specialist care and support services."