A different sparkle for Lancaster charity's Light Up a Life campaign

Every year St John’s Hospice in Slyne Road invites hundreds of people to celebrate someone special by dedicating a light to them on the hospice Christmas tree.

Because of Covid-19, this year the hospice will offer a new virtual celebration event on Friday December 4, which will allow people to take part at home.

In addition, there will be opportunities to contribute to an online picture wall and tie a ribbon with a message to their loved one in the hospice grounds.

Light Up a Life is a service of reflection, and this year many people have been unable to grieve in the way they would want to – making the campaign even more important.

This year’s Light Up a Life will still enable the community to show their appreciation for the loved ones in their lives that they have been missing or feel additionally appreciative of during the pandemic.

All dedications made in honour of Light up a Life will receive a handwritten card and online supporters will be able to upload pictures and messages for a special online picture gallery too.

To support the community St John’s has also introduced a new ‘Supporting you this Season’ online guide, offering gentle advice for coping at Christmas after the death of someone, whether that be recently or some time ago.

This is teamed with a ‘Light Bulb Moment’ template that people can print and fill with their own words or drawings and even add their own Christmas decorations. This can be a gentle approach way to get children to talk about their feelings.

Lisa Ball, Family Support Team Coordinator at St John’s Hospice, said “While many people celebrate all that is new, we understand this is also a time of great reflection about those who are no longer with us and yet have left a lasting impact, and touched our lives in their own unique way.

"We hope that by offering additional online guidance with ideas for adults, children and young people, we can help people cope during the festive period.”

The hospice will be hosting a virtual celebration event on Friday December 4 for anyone to watch and participate in, which will replace the usual annual events in Lancaster and Kendal.

Natalie Santamera, Campaign & Appeals Manager, said “Light Up a Life is potentially more important this year, as people in our community may not have the same face to face support over the Christmas period.

"Light Up a Life is for everyone in the community, not just those who have a connection to the Hospice. It is a chance to reflect, celebrate and share with each other, during a year when we have really appreciated how important human connection is.”

Brand new supporters to Light Up a Life 2020 are Lancaster company SWS UK.

Martin Fletcher, Commercial Director at SWS UK, said: “St John’s Hospice is a charity that has touched the lives of many, including some of our own employees, so we are delighted to be the sponsor behind this year’s Light up a Life campaign.

"With the coronavirus pandemic highlighting the amazing work tirelessly carried out by the care sector, we are honoured to have been given the opportunity to show our appreciation to the areas much-loved and highly regarded St John’s Hospice.

"Light up A Life offers a poignant way for the bereaved to remember their loved ones, whilst also supporting St John’s in continuing their vital work for the community. SWS UK are proud to be associated with the campaign and we are looking forward to seeing it unfold.”

At a time where most Christmas events have had to be cancelled, Light Up a Life will help raise vital funds so the hospice can continue providing outstanding care for those with life shortening conditions.

To make a dedication in honour of your loved one or to access our online ‘Supporting you this Season’ guide, please go online here or call fundraising on 01524 382538.