Chance to remember people we have lost

Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarbrough has launched its Light up a Life Appeal for 2016. The appeal on the run-up to Christmas will culminate in five services across the area, which give people the chance to reflect and remember loved ones.

Scarborough’s service will be held at Queen Street Methodist Church on Thursday December 8 at 6pm.

Light up a Life packs are available from the hospice which contain two cardboard baubles, each with space to write a personal message.

One bauble can be taken to a service to be blessed and these will be displayed in the hospice chapel after the December 14. The other one is for supporters to keep and hang on their own tree at home over Christmas.

Each service will be led by Christine Herbert, Saint Catherine’s Hospice spiritual coordinator, a tree of lights will be lit and everyone will receive a candle as part of the service so everyone can pause to remember the people they love.

Fundraiser Debbie Kay said: “We know that Christmas is a time when families come together. The act of blessing the Light up a Life Christmas tree and baubles this year will give everyone the chance to share a special moment of remembrance.”

From the December 1 until January 6 there will be two outdoor Light up Life trees, one at the Scarborough Hospice and one at Whitby Day Hospice.

Both trees will be lit with beautiful sparkling lights. Each light will signify the life of someone special.

To find out more, or to get a pack, call the fundraising team on (01723) 378406. All proceeds will go towards patient care.

About 150 people gathered in 2008 for the 10th annual St Catherine’s Hospice Light Up A Life dedication service, including Lucy and Emily Desborough, with Beth Lawty, all 10 yrs, of the Hinderwell School choir which sang.