A DARKENED corner of Wirral will be illuminated by more lights than ever before when St John's Hospice in Wirral flicks the switch on this year's Christmas 'Light Up a Life for a Loved One' appeal.

The event, supported since its inception by the Globe and which last year raised a staggering £72,000, a new record, has a special place in people's hearts because it enables them to celebrate the life of a loved one in a positive and special way at such an emotional time of the year.

Sue Dean, Fundraising Manager at St John's Hospice, a purpose-built building next to Clatterbridge Hospital, said: "It's understandable that people miss their loved ones, especially at Christmas and New Year, but 'Light Up a Life' gives people an opportunity to remember and to do so in a very positive way - it's not about mourning, it's to do with a celebration of life. And the carol service 'switch-on' ceremony has become really important to many people - it makes them feel that that person is very much a part of their Christmas celebrations."

She added: "The lights shining out from our trees in the hospice garden have become a symbol of hope and celebration for all."

The lights will be switched on at the now traditional open air carol service on Sunday, December 5 (6.30pm) by Edward Warren, principal conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orch-estra. Music will be supplied by a Salvation Army band and the choir of Weatherhead High School, Wallasey. The St John's Singers, comprising nurses and staff at the hospice, will also perform and are bringing out a new CD in time for Christmas.

The lights will illuminate the hospice garden and surrounding area until Twelfth Night (January 6).

For sponsorship of £5, members of the public can have one light donated either in memory of a loved one or as a Christmas gift for a relative or friend.

Everyone who sponsors a light will have the name of their loved one or friend entered in a Book of Honour which will be on display in the Chapel at St John's Hospice and can be viewed throughout the next 12 months.

Each light sponsor will also receive a Christmas card bearing their own name and the name of the person the light is for.

To 'Light Up a Life for a Loved One', simply complete the coupon on this page and send it to the address stated.

It costs £4,700 per day - that's £1.7 million a year - just to keep the doors open at St John's Hospice and to provide the care and other services for terminally ill patients.