Nightingale House Hospice’s Light up a Life service will be taking place on Sunday 5 December when people can join together to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

People taking part can remember loved ones who have passed away and can also raise funds by sponsoring a light on the hospice Christmas tree which will be lit ahead of the service for the first time during Advent.

Those who donate can also have a loved one’s name entered into a Book of Honour which will be available to view throughout the year at the hospice.

This year’s service at St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham is for everyone and not just for patients and their families.

The Wrexham service takes place at 4.30pm and there will be other services in communities in the region. Those arranged so far will be at St Chad’s Church, Hanmer on Thursday 2 December at 6.30pm; Sant Dunawd Church, Bangor-on-Dee on Sunday 12 December at 4.30pm and St Mary’s Church, Broughton on Thursday 9 December at 6.30pm. More details will be published on the hospice web site.

To make a dedication and donation, people can complete a form or go online by visiting www.nightingalehouse.co.uk.

Allison Chippindale whose friend Ezri passed away as the country entered the first lockdown last year will be reading her Testimony at the service in Wrexham. Allison compiled a tribute called “The book of Ezri” in which she wrote:

“I spent eight days in Nightingale House with Ezri and her sister from New Zealand, until Ezri died.

“Coming from Nottingham I hadn’t read anything about Nightingale House in advance, but I knew from hospice experiences with my sister-in-law ten years ago, and my husband seven years ago, that it would be far better than hospital and very positive, not just for Ezri, but for her friends and family too. My high hopes were exceeded.

“The quality of care was superb on every level. Kindness, generosity, sensitivity, a complete “yes” culture. Everyone – doctors, nurses, cleaners, chefs, café staff, reception team, gardeners, volunteers – all went the extra mile to support Ezri and us. We were made to feel part of the team around Ezri, not in the way.

“And as the days passed, the staff and volunteers had to create new procedures for coronavirus. As the outside world reacted to the new shock, and the staff’s lives were impacted, in the hospice all remained calm and peaceful for the benefit of the patients. Remarkable.”

Delyth Underwood from the hospice said: “Everyone at Nightingale House is always extremely grateful to those who dedicate a light in memory of their loved one, but the kindness shown by people since the start of the pandemic has been extraordinary.

“During this time, the need for hospice care continued and still continues. Our team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff adapted hospice services as best they could, 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 about Light up a Life events, contact 01978 314292 or email info@nightingalehouse.co.uk