Light up a Life this Christmas

As Christmas approaches, it brings with it happiness and joyful memories.

A previous candlelit ceremony held at St Gemma’s Hospice

St Gemma's Hospice launches its Light Up A Life Appeal. October 2018

For many of us, though, it can also be a time of reflection as we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us. 

St Gemma’s Hospice understands how important it is to dedicate time to remembering those who have died.  

The Light up a Life Appeal provides the chance to do this with friends, family and as a community. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether you have a personal connection with St Gemma’s or not. 

When you donate in memory of your loved one, you will receive a special card bearing their name and a star to hang on your Christmas tree. 

You will then be invited to attend a beautiful candlelit ceremony at the hospice, during which there will be carols, readings and a moment of reflection before thousands of lights on the festive trees are switched on. Each light represents the life of a loved one, and they will remain lit throughout the Christmas period.

Alternatively, if you’d rather remember your loved one in your own time, the hospice will send you a home pack, which includes readings, carols, a pin badge and candle. You can donate any amount you choose and in memory of as many people as you like. 

All donations will support the vital care of St Gemma’s patients and their families during the festive period. It will help people at a really difficult time, from the little things like a hand to hold in the night to the big things like managing someone’s pain.

St Gemma’s became the first formally recognised university teaching hospice in the UK last year following the pioneering agreement with Leeds, helping it to provide the best possible palliative care by using the latest research.

The permanent, extended relationship provides increased capacity for Leeds students to study palliative care in practice at St Gemma’s, as part of their degrees.

Visit the hospice’s website or call 0113 218 5555 to take part in the Light up a Life Appeal.

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