TEN thousands lights will be switched on in memory of loved ones at Wirral Hospice St John's next month.

Hanging from trees and buildings at the hospice, they will be switched on during the Light Up A Life ceremony on Sunday, December 8, which starts at 5.30pm.

They will be turned on by the family of Kate McMahon, who was cared for at the hospice and passed away in 2023.

Kate's husband George - who will be joined by their daughters Sophie, Emily and Megan for the event - said: "We all miss Kate so dearly. Light up a Life is such a special commemoration, and she would be absolutely delighted that our girls and I are switching on the 2024 lights in her memory.

"Kate was so very well supported by the hospice team.

"She adored them all.

"We were also very grateful for the support of doctors, nurses, complementary therapists and of the hospice’s children and young person’s practitioner, Annmarie, who deserves a special mention for the help she has given to Sophie, Emily and Megan.

"Our thoughts will always be for our precious Kate and with everyone who will be remembering their own missed loved ones through Light up a Life."

People support Light up a Life by sponsoring a light in memory of family, friends and colleagues who are no longer with us.

All donations help to fund the hospice's specialist medical, nursing and family care services.

Those who sponsor a light have the name of the people they are remembering entered in specially produced books of honour which will be available to view on the evening of the service. All the names of those loved ones being remembered will also be available to view online.

A Light up a Life card, with a personalised greeting, is also sent out to all who request one with their lights sponsorship and there is also an opportunity to buy an attractive tree decoration keepsake with a representation of the lights in the trees and inscribed with the words, Light up a Life.

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’s Fundraising Development Manager said, “The continued generosity of our whole Wirral community will be shining out as people gather for our annual Light up a Life lights switch-on service.

"We are so grateful to George, Emily, Sophie and Megan for agreeing to switch on our lights in memory of Kate and helping us to bring people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel, especially at this time of year.

"So many people take so much comfort from the lights and it’s our privilege to welcome them all. We really can’t thank them enough as they help us to make a real difference in the care of our patients and their families. “

To sponsor a light for Light up a Life call 0151 343 0778 or visit http://www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife to make a donation online

Wirral Hospice St John’s will also be holding a pre-Light up a Life church service at St James’s Church, New Brighton, on Tuesday, December 3 at 7pm.

The church service will be a quiet service of remembrance lead by Reverend Heather Atkinson. All are welcome to attend.

After the service there will be hot drinks, mince pies and Christmas Cards available. Parking is available locally surrounding the church.