THERE are two weeks to go until ten thousand lights are switched on in memory of loved ones at a Wirral hospice.

The Globe-backed Light Up A Life switch-on takes place at Wirral Hospice St Johns on Sunday, December 11, starting at 5.30pm.

Switching them on will be Mike Hall, and his three sons, Josh, Harry and Freddie.

The lights will shine out brightly from the trees and buildings in and around Wirral Hospice St John’s every evening in the run up to, and throughout, Christmas time.

Mike and family will dedicate the switch-on to the memory of his wife, and the boys' mum, Becky Hall, who was cared for at the hospice in 2021 (family picture below).

Wirral Globe:

Mike said: "Becky was a teacher who taught with passion and a huge amount of pride in her career, spanning 25 years, at Vyner Road and Bidston Village Primary Schools.

"She loved her work, her colleagues and most of all, the hundreds of children who experienced her teaching down the years.

"Becky had a love for life and approached everything with an infectious smile and an air of positivity. She is so sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

"It's a real privilege for the boys and I to be asked to switch on the Wirral Hospice St John’s Light up a Life lights in Becky's memory.

"She touched so many lives in her 47 years, adored by friends and family, with that special ability to light up a room wherever she went, so it seems especially appropriate and a lovely tribute to be able to switch on the lights for so many other people.

"Becky would be so delighted and greatly honoured.”

Light up a Life is a poignant, evocative and inspiring tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us and has become an established part of Wirral life over the past 26 years.

After a break of two years, the hospice will once again be inviting people into the hospice grounds on the evening of the 11th to observe the annual lights switch-on and commemoration service.

Wirral Hospice St John's relies upon the financial support of many businesses, as well as thousands of individuals, to provide its free care to patients with life limiting illnesses.

The hospice is inviting local businesses to sponsor a light for a kind donation, from only £50. Through supporting Light up a Life businesses are credited in the event programme and in the business book of honour.

On the evening itself, people will start gathering from around 4pm to browse fundraising stalls, have some tea, cake and other refreshments, to gather their thoughts and find a position in readiness for the switch on service.

The hospice choir and the Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band will combine to bring supporters reflective songs and carols, along with heartfelt readings from the hospice team.

Julia Evans, the hospice fundraising manager said: "For the past 26 years Light up a Life has brought people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel, especially around Christmas time.

"It costs over £10,000 per day to run the hospice and we invite local businesses to support our Light up a Life campaign by sponsoring a business light.

"We really cannot thank people enough as they continue to make their kind and thoughtful donations for Light up a Life which makes a massive contribution to the specialist care the hospice provides to our patients, their families and friends."

Businesses who would like to support Light up a Life in any way, should call Julia Evans to discuss on 0151 343 0778 or email juliae@wirralhospice.org.