Dr Kershaw's invites Oldhamers to remember those who are in their thoughts during the festive period

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is urging the community to remember their loved ones at its annual Light Up a Life service, which will take place virtually and in-person at the Hospice on Sunday, December 3 at 5pm.

The multi-faith service offers the community and those from further afield, the opportunity to remember their loved ones this festive season and to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, but are always in our thoughts, whether they received care from the Hospice or not.

Eleanor Sloan, Fundraising Events Lead at Dr Kershaw’s, is responsible for organising the Light Up a Life service.

She said: “It is our pleasure to invite you to the Hospice for our in-person service, we can stand side by side with each of you as our Light Up a Life dedication tree is poignantly lit, to remember each person we have lost, and hold dear to our hearts.

"Our annual Light Up a Life service is unique as it enables our community to remember their lost loved ones in a positive way with their participation being not only a symbol of remembrance, but a way to show support to those in need in the community during the festive period.

"Our 30-minute service will include readings and vocal performances, along with the switching on of our beautiful tree lights.

"Tea, coffee and festive cocktails will be offered afterwards in our Cafe K, and Hospice stalls will also be available for you to peruse on the evening.”

This year’s service will follow its traditional format, allowing people from all over the borough to make a dedication in the form of a shining light on the dedication tree which is situated within the Hospice, whilst also supporting future patients and their families when they need our help the most.

Eleanor added: “When you make a dedication, a light will be dedicated in memory of your loved one on our beautiful Light Up a Life dedication tree, their name will also be included on-screen during our online service, and will be available to view in our special Book of Remembrance available at our in-person event and on our Hospice website.”

All dedications must be made by Monday, November 27 to be included in our Book of Remembrance and on-screen during the virtual service.

Dedications of £30 or over will also receive one of the Hospice’s new 2023 Light Up a Life heart badges.

If you are unable to attend the in-person event at our Hospice, you will still be able to access the Light Up a Life live service virtually via the Hospice’s Facebook and YouTube pages, or on Oldham Community Radio 99.7FM.

If you choose to tune in virtually, you can request a Light Up a Life at Home Pack, which includes instructions on how to join, an order of service, a dedication card with your loved ones name, a cut-out star to hang on your tree or somewhere special to you, and a tea light candle to light during the service in memory of those you hold dear.

All dedications will receive a personalised dedication card with your loved ones name(s) along with a dedication star, which will be hung on the tree in the Hospice.

Those attending the Hospice’s in-person service will also receive an order of service at the event.

Adele Doherty, Dr Kershaw’s Chief Executive, added: “It means so much to us each year to invite you into the Hospice for our Light Up a Life service to come together and support one another, in remembrance and celebration of our loved ones.

"Thank you, your support helps us to continue supporting our patients in the Hospice and in the community.”

The Hospice’s 2023 Light Up a Life circle and angel baubles, to hang on your tree or somewhere else special to you, can be purchased from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice reception or four shops.

Alternatively, you can purchase your bauble at the event.

To dedicate a light at the Hospice’s 2023 Light Up a Life service, please go to: www.drkh.org.uk/LightUpaLife, complete a form in one of the Hospice’s four shops or call the Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984.

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