Hundreds of families braved the snow and freezing temperatures on Sunday 10 December for the St. Joseph’s Hospice Light up a Life service.
The hospice’s 25ft Christmas tree and new ornamental memorial tree were both covered in hearts, with messages of remembrance to loved ones. Each light on the Christmas tree was also dedicated to the memory of much-loved relatives, friends and colleagues.
Jenny O’Donnell and her children went along for the first time to remember Jenny’s father, George Abernethy, who passed away last summer. She said: “We wanted to come to remember my dad and just be together.”
Kate Knowles and Carol Allison, both from Ainsdale, have been best friends for over 20 years. Kate also volunteers her time as a receptionist at the hospice once a week. They wanted to go to Light up a Life to remember their parents as well as other loved ones.
Kate said: “It’s the first time we have been, although I’ve wanted to come for many years. It’s a wonderful way to remember and think about our loved ones at this time of year. It was a very special to both of us as we were remembering our parents but also my parents-in-law and Carol’s brother who died nine years ago.”
Mike Parr, Chief Executive of St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “Light up a Life is a special event which always brings so much comfort to so many families at Christmas time.
“We’d like to thank everyone who came along and supported us this year, including Bishop Tom Williams and the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Dave Robinson.
“We’d also like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers who gave up their time to support us at this year’s service, including the Crosby Lions, who marshalled the event, the Soroptimists for running our refreshment stall and the Christmas Decorators in Formby for putting the lights on the tree. We were also very grateful to our local M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and the Co-op for donating mince pies for families to enjoy at the event.”
All those who have dedicated a light will be entered in to the Light up a Life dedication book, which will be on display at the hospice until February.
Dedications for Light up a Life can still be made over the Christmas period.