Hundreds join Stafford hospice for special Christmas service
Hundreds of people gathered at Katharine House Hospice on Sunday, 15 December to remember loved ones who have died.
The charity has been helping the community for 35 years and its Light Up a Life service – which is now in its 25th year – has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support its vital care.
This year the service took place a week later than originally planned due to Storm Darragh.
People came together in the hospice grounds, in Weston Road, Stafford, to witness the lights switch on and listen to carols and readings. So far this year, nearly £40,000 has been donated towards Light Up A Life.
Each light on the tree was dedicated to a loved one in return for a donation to the Light up a Life appeal.
Sarah Mitchell and Amanda Barrett from the charity’s Hospice at Home team shared their experiences of why fundraising events are so important to them, the charity and the community.
Sarah, who began working at Katharine House Hospice after her dad received their care, attended the service to remember him.
Sarah said: “Light Up a Life is so important to me. It’s a wonderful way to remember my dad and to give something back for the amazing care he received.”
Fundraising appeals help the charity deliver expert, compassionate care in people’s homes or at the hospice.
Sarah said: “The Hospice at Home team was an essential part of the care and support we received when Dad lived with us for the last months of his life.
“The care, help and understanding were outstanding; I wouldn’t have coped without it. This amazing experience made me decide I wanted to work for the hospice to give back something for all they’d given us.”
“Helping ensure families are at home with loved ones for Christmas feels like giving the best Christmas present ever,” Amanda added.
The lights were kindly sponsored by Staffordshire-based marketing consultancy MMS Marketing, which has supported the event for 21 years.
Danielle Mitton, Managing Director of MMS Marketing, said: “We have supported Katharine House Hospice with this appeal for the past 21 years because we feel that it is a very worthy cause and it is always a pleasure to support the Light up a Life Appeal.
“We really hope that the hospice has a record year in terms of donations, as every penny raised makes a significant difference to the lives of local people cared for by the hospice.”
Hannah Fahy, Head of Fundraising at the hospice said: “Thanks to everyone for bearing with us. We had to reschedule the event due to Storm Darragh. The rearranged service was a huge success thanks to the tremendous support of our local community.”
The Light up a Life appeal continues over Christmas and into the New Year. Anyone wishing to dedicate a light can still do so at: khhospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life.
