THE Backford-based Hospice of the Good Shepherd is inviting families to Light Up A Life and remember a loved one this Christmas.

As the year draws to a close, the hospice’s Light Up A Life services bring together hundreds of people to remember someone who has died or someone living away from home.

The person people choose to remember does not have to have been cared for at the hospice to be honoured them with a dedication. People can choose to dedicate a light on the hospice's main Christmas tree, an individual 6ft cut Christmas tree, or a light on the hospice's online virtual tree.

Caroline Siddall, director of income generation, said: “Light Up a Life is a lovely way for people to remember either someone they have loved and lost or someone who may be far away.

“We will be holding three services – our first is at the Hospice on December 1, St John The Evangelist Church is holding our second service on December 3 and Caldy Valley Neighbourhood Church will host the final service of the year on December 9.

“Not only will you be honouring your loved ones this Christmas, you’ll also be helping raise vital income for your local hospice to ensure we can continue to care for local people living with a life-limiting illness.”

Those who dedicate will receive: a light to shine on the Hospice Christmas tree, a Light Up A Life card sent to them with the name of their loved ones and a Light Up A Life pin badge.

The loved one’s name will also appear in the hospice's book of memories which can be viewed at all three of the hospice's services during December. These services bring everyone together in a festival of light to remember loved ones through poems, reading and music.

The lights will be illuminated during the service at the Hospice on Sunday, December 1 and will continue to shine until January 6, 2020.

  • To dedicate an individual 6ft cut Christmas tree or light to a loved one, visit www.hospicegs.com or call 01244 851811 or email fundraising@hospicegs.com.