We were joined by friends, family and supporters to celebrate the lives of all those who have received a dedication on one of our Hospice Christmas Trees at our Light up a Life 2018 Services.
The first service took place at Woodlands Hospice on Sunday 2nd December which saw many families coming along to show their support to the appeal and to honour those they have dedicated a light to. The service took place outdoors at the front of the Hospice and thankfully, the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy the carol singing by Melling Community Gospel Choir and for the Christmas Lights to be switched on. Our Lights were switched on this year by one of our supporters, Alison Moore. Alison’s Uncle, Father Tom Leigh, was a patient at the Hospice before sadly passing away. He had enjoyed our Light up a Life service during his time with us last year which Alison remembered fondly and therefore she was delighted to be asked to do this years’ switch on.
The lights shone beautifully outside the Hospice and it was so touching to know each one was dedicated to somebody special.
Our second service took place at St Andrew’s Church, Maghull on Monday 3rd December. We were joined by more than 250 supporters in celebration of their loved ones lights. The Lydiate Primary School Choir entertained us all with their beautiful singing and the Mayor of Maghull, Councillor Clare Carragher, joined us to deliver an emotional reading. Before the lights were switched on, our supporters were also able to light a candle and invited by the Reverend, Janice Hill, to reflect on their loved ones, who commented how lovely it was to see families passing the light from the candles on to one another as they lit up the room.
A young supporter, Olivia Jones, joined us at St Andrews to switch on the lights. Olivia has been fundraising for Woodlands Hospice by setting up events at school in order to raise money for our patients and services, in honour of her Grandad. Olivia recently won a civic award for her charitable work and was delighted to be involved with our second Christmas Light switch on. Our second tree, which St Andrew’s kindly display for us each year looked beautiful lit up within the church.
Families were also able to view the names of those they had made dedications to in the Hospice’s ‘Book of Life’ and were invited to join us for refreshments after each service.