Hospice to hold Light Up a Life service virtually

Oldham residents are being invited to remember those who are in their thoughts during the festive period when Dr Kershaw's Hospice hold its annual Light Up a Life service - which will be a virtual event this year. 

It will take place on Sunday 6 December at 7pm and will be streamed on the hospice's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

The hospice had to look at alternative ways to hold its popular memorial event safely due to government guidelines and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

It says the service "aims to bring the community together to celebrate those special people who have helped light up their life, whilst also helping to keep their memory alive and positively support their local hospice". 

The ceremony will follow its traditional format, allowing people from all over the borough to make a dedication in the form of shining light on the dedication tree which is situated within the hospice grounds to remember their loved ones no matter their faith, culture or connection to the hospice. 

The virtual service will include multi-faith readings, performances from the hospice's very own choir, The Dr Kershaw’s Crooners, and the Saddleworth Musical Society, as well as the ceremonial lighting of the Hospice Remembrance Tree.

Those who wish to dedicate a light can also request a Light Up A Life At Home pack which includes instructions on how to join the service, an order of service so that you can follow the event from the comfort of your own home, a greeting card with your dedication inside, a cut-out star to hang on your tree at home or any space that holds a special place in your heart, and a tea light candle which the hospice is encouraging people to light up during the service. 

Dedications will be available to make over the phone by calling the fundraising team directly on 0161 624 9984 or via the hospice website at www.drkh.org.uk/support-us/light-life. 

All dedications made before Monday 9 November will be included in the hospice 'Book of Remembrance' and names will be visible on-screen during the service. The Book of Remembrance will be available to collect from the hospice's charity shops from 23 November until stocks last. 

Kathryn Harding, an Emotional and Bereavement Support Nurse at the hospice, said: "The Light Up A Life event is a chance to come together in remembering our loved ones and supporting one another through the challenges of ill health, grief and bereavement. This seems particularly important this year when many of our usual avenues of comfort and strength have been disturbed and disrupted.

"Your participation helps us to continue to support our patients and their families to the very best of our ability and empowers us to work effectively for the community of Oldham. It means a lot to us. Thank you."