Light Up A Life appeal helps give care and comfort to families this Christmas

Patients and families at North Devon Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) will be wrapped up in care, comfort, and love this Christmas after a wonderful Light Up A Life appeal.

Donations are still coming in, but it is likely that this year’s campaign will have raised around £18,000 for North Devon Hospice and £500 for CHSW. The money will help to ensure that local families facing the impacts of a life-limiting illness can access a lifeline of care and support at a time when it matters most.

Supported by the North Devon Gazette, the annual Light Up A Life appeal enables local people to mark the memory of someone special by making a donation and lighting a candle in their memory.

It is a way to remember those who are no longer with us at this special time of year while helping to support the vital care provided by the two hospice charities.

As part of Light Up A Life, a series of services were also held throughout December to encourage people in the local community to come together and light a candle for those they miss at Christmas.

Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at North Devon Hospice, said how wonderful it has been to see so many marking the memory of their loved ones through the appeal. She said: “For me, Light Up A Life is such a special campaign.

“Not only does it help bring people together to find comfort at what can feel like a very lonely time, but it’s also a wonderful way to show patients and families spending what may be their last Christmas together that we’re here for them too.

“Whether you donated to this year’s appeal, made a dedication, or attended one of our special Light Up A Life services, I want to say a huge thank you. Your kindness means so much and will help to ensure that people in our community facing their toughest times can get the care they need this Christmas and beyond.”

Emma Perry, head of fundraising at CHSW, said: “Christmas is such a special time for many of us and at Little Bridge House, the magic of Christmas can be felt throughout the house with beautiful decorations, festive activities for the families staying, and a listening ear to families who need to talk.

“Thank you so much to everyone for your generous donations, the funds raised will enable Children's Hospice South West to continue to support children with life-limiting conditions not just at Christmas but 365 days a year, thank you."

Aaron Heighton from James Electrics, which kindly sponsored this year’s Light Up A Life appeal in support of North Devon Hospice, added: “James Electrics is very proud to support Light Up A Life once again this year. The hospice is a vital local charity that supports so many people in our community in their time of need. Thank you for all you do.”

If you’ would like to mark the memory of a loved one this Christmas, you can still do so as part of the Light Up A Life appeal by visiting www.lual.co.uk