An appeal to dedicate a star to a loved one is on course to raise £65K for a local Hospice.
Over a thousand people across Birmingham and Sandwell gathered together on Thursday 15th. The Hospice’s annual ‘Light up a Life’ event gives people the opportunity to celebrate and remember the lives of those no longer with us ahead of the Christmas period. Every year the charity offers supporters the chance to dedicate a star in memory of someone they have loved and lost and to honour their name in a Book of Remembrance, which will be on display at the Hospice.
Local choirs and musicians from the Birmingham Conservatoire entertained visitors with Christmas carols and songs before the lighting of the Christmas tree and silent fireworks.
The free event, held at the Hospice grounds in Selly Park, is open to all whether or not they have been directly supported by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
As well as those remembering someone special, the Hospice was honoured to be joined by BBC WM presenter Llewela Bailey who also hosted the evening service.
“The Hospice was an invaluable service to me at a time when I needed that sort of help for my husband who sadly died 13 years ago. I think it’s safe to say that we wouldn’t have been able to cope without the work of the Hospice and that’s why as the years have gone by, I try to do as much as I can to raise the profile and help raise as much money as we can to keep this marvellous service going. I am aware that people still need the Hospice, it’s still there for them but it can do so much and it can make such a difference at such a dreadful time in somebody’s life. For me it’s a great privilege and it’s a time of reflection tonight and I’m thrilled to be here.”
The ‘Light up a Life’ appeal makes a significant contribution to the ongoing work of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice. It costs £8 million each year to run the Hospice which provides care and support for over 1,200 individuals and their families, carers and loved ones. Over half of these running costs come from voluntary donations.
All donations made as part of ‘Light up a Life’ help the charity to support more local families living with terminal illness this Christmas. To make a donation to the ‘Care at Christmas’ fundraising campaign, please visit www.careatchristmas.org or call our fundraising team on 0121 472 1191.
