LIGHT UP A LIFE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON FOR WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN ’ S
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LIGHT UP A LIFE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON FOR WIRRAL HOSPICE ST JOHN ’ S
On Sunday 8th December , Wirral Hospice St John ’ s will invite people from all around our Wirral community , alongside family and friends , into the hospice grounds for the annual Light up a Life lights switch-on commemorations .
People will start arriving from around 4pm to browse fundraising stalls , have some tea , coffee , cake and other refreshments , to gather their personal thoughts and to find a position in readiness for the switch on service at 5.30pm .
This year , Mr George McMahon , alongside his daughters Sophie , Emily and Megan will switch on the 10,000 glittering lights which will then shine brightly in the trees at Wirral Hospice St John ’ s every evening in the run up to , and throughout , Christmas time .
The family will dedicate the switch-on to the memory of George ’ s wife , and Sophie , Emily and Megan ’ s mum , Kate , who was cared for at the hospice in 2023 .
George spoke on behalf of his family , “ We all miss Kate so dearly . Light up a Life is such a special commemoration , and she would be absolutely delighted that our girls and I are switching on the 2024 lights in her memory . Kate was so very well supported by the hospice team . She adored them all .
We were also very grateful for the support of doctors , nurses , complementary therapists and of the hospice ’ s children and young person ’ s practitioner , Annmarie , who deserves a special mention for the help she has given to Sophie , Emily and Megan .
Our thoughts will always be for our precious Kate and with everyone who will be remembering their own missed loved ones through Light up a Life .”
Many individuals and families support Light up a Life by sponsoring a light in memory of family , friends and colleagues who are no longer with us . All donations help to fund the hospice ’ s specialist medical , nursing and family care services . Those who sponsor a light have the name of the person ( s ) they are remembering entered in specially produced books of honour which will be available to view on the evening of the service . All the names of those loved ones being remembered will also be available to view online .
A Light up a Life card , with a personalised greeting , is also sent out to all who request one with their lights sponsorship and there is also an opportunity to buy an attractive tree decoration keepsake with a representation of the lights in the trees and inscribed with the words , Light up a Life .
Local businesses are also invited to support Light up Life , for a kind donation , which usually range from £ 50 up to £ 500 , and will be credited in the evening ’ s event programme and in a separate business book of honour .
The hospice choir and the Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band will combine to bring supporters reflective songs and carols , along with heartfelt readings from the hospice team .
Julia Evans , the hospice ’ s Fundraising Development Manager said , “ The continued generosity of our whole Wirral community will be shining out as people gather for our annual Light up a Life lights switch-on service .
We are so grateful to George , Emily , Sophie and Megan for agreeing to switch on our lights in memory of Kate and helping us to bring people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel , especially at this time of year .
So many people take so much comfort from the lights and it ’ s our privilege to welcome them all . We really can ’ t thank them enough as they help us to make a real difference in the care of our patients and their families ."
To sponsor a light for Light up a Life please call 0151 343 0778 or visit www . wirralhospice . org / lightupalife to make a donation online . Wirral Hospice St John ’ s will also be holding a pre-Light up a Life church service at St James ’ s Church , New Brighton , on Tuesday , 3rd December , at 7pm .
The church service will be a quiet service of remembrance lead by Reverend Heather Atkinson . All are welcome to attend . Following the service there will be hot drinks , mince pies and Christmas Cards available . Parking is available locally surrounding the church .
20 wirrallife . com