Lights lit at St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of loved ones

Hundreds of people gathered at St Catherine’s Hospice for the switch-on of the annual Light Up A Life display, organised to remember those who will be missed from our celebrations this Christmas.
The event – which this year marked its 16th anniversary – is always a special evening, looked forward to by many people who find comfort in celebrating the lives of dearly departed loved ones.
The names of those honoured in the evocative light display will also feature in a special remembrance book kept in the hospice chapel throughout the year.
Cliff Hughes, chairman of the board of trustees at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “Light Up A Life is a very important and special event for many people, which has gitemn and gitemn over the years.
“For me, it is heartening to see so many people come together to remember their loved ones at this time of year.
“It is a very moving and popular event, and the beautiful display gives people a tangible reminder of their loved ones at Christmas.”
Janet Murray, whose father Vivien Stevens died at St Catherine’s in October, was one of the guests on the night, which also saw Chinese lanterns lit and set off in loved ones’ memories.

The teaching assistant, from Walton-le-Dale, said: “I was very grateful to be a small part of the Light Up A Life.
“From the moment we arrived I found it to be very comforting to be back at the hospice. Being amongst many other people all united together in remembering our loved ones was very special, and a great comfort to me as it made me feel not alone with my loss.
“It was also comforting to see Dad’s name in the Book of Remembrance so beautifully written – he is gone but never forgotten. I will remember this throughout Christmas, each and every time I think of him.”
Bill Eastham, from Chorley, was also there to see the display – which invites tributes in memory of all, not just those who have had contact with St Catherine’s – lit up.
He said: “I have been attending the event most years now as my wife’s mother died of cancer in St Catherine’s Hospice.
“It’s an absolutely wonderful place and it’s just the sort of place you’d want to be if you were suffering with a terminal illness.
“I think Light Up A Life is a great event which really involves people – it’s something very different and held at a nice time of the year.”
Pupils and staff from Parklands High School sang an arrangement of songs at the event on Tuesday, with music provided by Charnock Richard Brass Band.
All money raised through the event will go towards supporting the work of St Catherine’s Hospice and the specialised palliative and end of life care it provides to people in Preston, Chorley, Longridge and South Ribble.
Donations are still welcome towards the Light Up A Life display by clicking here.
You can also sponsor a light on the St Catherine’s Christmas tree within St George’s shopping centre until January. People are invited to write a message on a candle which hangs on the tree, in return for a donation to the hospice.
There will also be a selection of Christmas cards, calendars and beautiful gifts on sale.
You can make a donation towards Light Up A Life by clicking here, calling Michelle Whalley on 01772 629171 or visiting the hospice in Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5XU.

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