Bury Hospice launches Light up a Life' campaign to remember loved ones

This year, the campaign, sponsored by Fred Hamer Funeral Service, will include two services, one at the Rochdale Old Road hospice on Sunday, December 1 at 4pm, and the other on Wednesday, December 4 at Bury Parish Church at 7.30pm.

The switching on the lights of the Christmas trees outside the hospice and inside the church are "especially poignant" parts of the services and mark the moments where time is taken to remember loved ones.

The switching on of the Christmas lights is a memorable occasion (Image: Supplied)

The lights on the trees, sponsored by MK Illumination, will shine brightly throughout the festive season as a symbol of love and a reminder of the "special people we miss so much".

Running alongside the services is the hospice’s Light up a Life donation appeal, which will help to continue to deliver palliative and end-of-life care and support to patients and their families.

Dave Penney will be dedicating a light to his wife Amanda who died in the inpatient unit in March after a long fight with cancer.

Amanda and Dave (Image: Supplied)

Their daughter Jess was aged only 15 at the time.

Amanda was diagnosed with cancer six years ago.

From the moment she was told she only had a few months to live, she made an appointment to have a look around the hospice where she instantly knew that was where she wanted to spend her final days.

Amanda (Image: Supplied)

Dave said: “Amanda was a beautiful and amazing person who was loved by so many.

"When Amanda died I felt a deep connection with the hospice and wanted to give something back.

"I couldn’t believe what they did for us wouldn’t be possible without charitable donations, and I am passionate about making sure I help keep the doors open so other families can receive the love and care we did.

"I set up a MuchLoved tribute page for Amanda’s funeral donations and myself and Jess arranged for a team of more than 40 family and friends to run the Bury 10k as part of 'Team Mand' to continue raising vital funds."

Jess and Amanda (Image: Supplied) Dave added: "Myself and Jess can never thank Bury Hospice enough for caring for Amanda and looking after us through a devastating time, each and every member of staff are amazing and very special people.

"Please help Bury Hospice be there for other families who need them by making a contribution to their Light up a Life appeal and dedicating a light in memory of your loved one.”

Dave and Jess at the Bury 10k event (Image: Supplied) The dedications people make will be featured on a special tribute page throughout the 2024 Light up a Life season.

To make a dedication in memory of someone special, visit buryhospice.org.uk/events/light-up-a-life-2024 or call the fundraising team on 0161 797 1748.

The hospice has launched its Light up a Life campaign (Image: Supplied) The hospice has been "overwhelmed" by the love it has been given throughout the year and touched to see how many people dedicated a "forget me not" as part of its summer memorial appeal.

As an independent charity, it costs £4.5m to run the hospice's services with 13 per cent funding.

By supporting the Light up a Life donation appeal, people can show patients and families "how much you care and help to make the festive period extra special".