NURSES and officials at St John's Hospice in Wirral are 'over the moon' at the response from the public to their Christmas appeal to 'Light Up a Light for a Loved One'.

Globe readers have contributed a magnificent £1,095 via the special coupon which appears for only the second time today. There is still plenty of time to take part in an event which received an overwhelmingly successful baptism last year.

"Once again, a tide of human kindness is flowing from the public for what will be an emotional and, at the same time, a happy event," said Fundraising Manager Helen Crawford.

Like 12 months ago, trees in the Hospice Gardens will be illuminated with hundreds of lights, which will be officially switched on at a Carol Service, featuring members of the Salvation Army Band, on Thursday, December 4 (7pm). The lights will be on until Twelfth Night (January 6, 1998).

The modern 16-bed Hospice, which provides invaluable care and comfort for the terminally ill and their families, now has a totally refurbished Day Centre - but the need to fund the voluntary service is greater than ever; annual running costs amount to £1 million.

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 a 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 kept in the Hospice Chapel, and also receive a card bearing both their own name and the name of the person the light is for," explained Helen.

'Light Up a Life for a Loved One' forms are available from St John's Hospice Appeals Office, St John's Hospice in Wirral, Mount Road, Bebington, Wirral L63 6JE.

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