HUNDREDS of residents come together every December to remember loved ones by dedicating a light on the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s Christmas tree.

Whether they wish to remember someone who has died and in your thoughts or someone living away from home who you miss, they can donate and dedicate a light for them as the year draws to a close.

Those remembered do not have to have been cared for at the hospice and donations can be for either a light on the hospice's main Christmas tree or dedicate an individual 6ft Christmas tree.

Caroline Siddall, director of Income Generation, said: “Light Up a Life is a lovely way for people to remember either someone they have loved and lost or someone who may be far away.

“Here at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd we understand that Christmas can be a difficult time if you are missing a loved one or someone special. That is why we invite you to join hundreds of other people to dedicate a light on our special Hospice Christmas tree in their memory.

“On behalf of the hospice I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far. Your donations ensure we can continue to support and care for people in the local community who are affected by a life-limiting illness.”

A Light Up A Life donation includes a light to shine on the main Christmas tree, a Light Up A Life card with the name of the donor's loved one and a Light Up A Life pin badge.

The loved one’s name will also appear in the hospice's book of honour which can be viewed at one of three services during held December.

These services bring everyone together in a festival of light to remember loved ones through poems, reading and music.

The lights will be illuminated during a service at the hospice grounds on Sunday, December 2 and will continue to shine until January 6.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd has helped thousands of residents with life-limiting illnesses and relies on donations and fundraising to continue to help even more people in the community.

  • To donate and dedicate a light to a loved one, call 01244 851 811 or email fundraising@hospicegs.com.