RESIDENTS can come together to celebrate the lives of their lost loved ones this December, but with a difference.

Nightingale House Hospice’s Light up a Life event will take on a new look when it goes online on Sunday, December 6 when people can join together virtually to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Those taking part can remember loved ones who have passed away by sponsoring a light on the hospice Christmas tree when it is lit for the first time during the Advent Season. The event will be broadcast live on the hospice web site.

This year there will be two ways of making a dedication. A form available from the hospice fundraising department on 01978 314292 can be completed and returned with a donation.

Or, for the first time this year people can send in a message and photograph of a loved one and their light will feature on a virtual Christmas tree online.

Dedications will also be entered into the Books of Honour which will be available to view on the website. The Books will then be on display throughout the year at the Hospice.

In the interest of public safety and in line with current COVID 19 restrictions the Light up a Life service at the hospice is also going digital. You can also take part in this event on line on Sunday, December 6 at 4pm.

Details of the format of other community services across the region will be publicised at a later date.

The event will have a special meaning for Maisie Eccleston-Tuohy whose Mum passed away at the end of August having been extremely poorly throughout lockdown.

Maisie said: “The pandemic meant my sister had to leave her job as a dancer and I came home from university, but being home to support Mum throughout this time meant a lot of good came out of lockdown for us. We miss her terribly but would like to share our story.

“We will be reading our Testimony at the Light up a Life Service on 6 December. Nightingale House means the world to my family and we have been focusing our energy on raising as much funds for the hospice so that other families can benefit as we did from the wonderful work that they do.

“I hope you will join us at Light up a Life to hear what Nightingale House means to us and how we dealt with the restrictions brought about by Covid-19.”

Hospice fundraiser Delyth Underwoood added: “Although this year we will not be able to get together in person around the tree to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones we hope this different way of staging the event will be equally special.

“Everyone at Nightingale House is always extremely grateful to those who dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, but the kindness shown by people recently seems even more special than ever in these tough times.

“2020 has been a most challenging year but during this time the need for hospice care continues. Our team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff have adapted hospice services as best they can, following government guidelines, to ensure the continuation of support to patients and their families.

“The pandemic has naturally had a significant impact on our fundraising activity and donations. However, the need for hospice care will not stop. People’s support is more important now than ever before.”

For further information contact 01978 314292 or email info@nightingalehouse.co.uk