Wirral Life October 2022 | Page 28

LIGHT UP A LIFE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON RETURNS TO THE HOSPICE GARDENS
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LIGHT UP A LIFE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON RETURNS TO THE HOSPICE GARDENS
On Sunday 11th December , at 5.30pm , Mr Mike Hall , and his three sons , Josh , Harry and Freddie , will switch on 10,000 glittering lights which will shine out brightly from the trees and buildings in and around Wirral Hospice St John ’ s every evening in the run up to , and throughout , Christmas time .
Mike and family will dedicate the switch-on to the memory of his wife , and the boys ’ mum , Becky Hall , who was cared for at the hospice in 2021 . Mike spoke on behalf of them all : “ What a privilege for us to be asked to switch on the Wirral Hospice St John ’ s Light up a Life lights . Becky touched so many lives in her 47 years , she was adored by her friends and family and had that special ability to light up a room wherever she went , so it seems especially appropriate and a lovely tribute . Becky would be so delighted and honoured .”
Light up a Life is a poignant , evocative and inspiring tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us and has become an established part of Wirral life over the past 26 years .
After a break of two years , the hospice will once again be inviting people into the hospice grounds on the evening of the 11th to observe the annual lights switch-on and commemoration service .
People from our Wirral community , individuals and businesses , traditionally sponsor a light in memory of family and friends with all the donations helping to fund the hospice ’ s beloved medical and nursing services . Those who sponsor a light have the name of the person ( s ) they are remembering entered into especially produced books of honour which will be available to view on the evening of the service or , a personal copy can be pre-ordered or , the names will also be available to view online .
A Light up a Life card with a personalised greeting will be sent out to all who request one with their lights sponsorship and there is also the opportunity to buy an attractive silver heart-shaped tree decoration keepsake , with a small star adornment , inscribed with the words , ‘ Light up a Life ’.
On the evening itself , people will start gathering from around 4pm to browse fundraising stalls , have some tea , cake and other refreshments , to gather their thoughts and find a position in readiness for the switch on service .
The hospice choir and the Wirral Schools Brass Band will combine to bring supporters reflective songs and carols , along with heartfelt readings from the hospice team .
Then , if people wish to spend a little more time walking under the lights , the hospice gardens will be open from Monday 12th to Friday 16th December , between 4pm and 8pm .
Julia Evans , the hospice ’ s Fundraising Development Manager said , “ Light up a Life will once again bring people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel , especially around Christmas time . Our whole Wirral community is always so generous in supporting the hospice . It ’ s really nice to welcome Mike and his family for the switch-on and we can ’ t thank them or any of our thousands of supporters enough as they give their time and make their kind and thoughtful donations for Light up a Life which really makes a massive contribution to the specialist care the hospice provides to our patients and their families .”
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 , 6th 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 .
To sponsor a light for Light up a Life please call 0151 343 0778 or visit www . wirralhospice . org / lightupalife and make a donation online .
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