Light up a Life 2017

Each year Teesside Hospice invites local people to pay tribute to their lost family and friends with the annual Light up a Life appeal.

The appeal – supported by Colin McGinley Funeral Care – is an opportunity to remember someone special and support Teesside Hospice by making a dedication and placing it on the Light up a Life tree in exchange for a donation.

The 12ft tree situated in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre, was officially unveiled during a special launch celebration event on Saturday. Thousands of lights were turned on in memory of loved ones during the launch and Christmas carols were performed by the talented Tees Valley Youth Choir.

Julie Ince has always supported Teesside Hospice, at this year’s Light up a Life appeal Julie remembered her best friend Dawn who was cared for by the hospice.

Julie said, “My friend Dawn went into Teesside Hospice in 1999. The care from all members of staff to guide her through a traumatic time helped her immensely. I myself felt comforted in the fact that Dawn felt so happy and safe while in the hospice.

Julie added, ‘I am very happy to support the Light up a Life appeal to say thank you to the hospice and it is an excellent way to remember Dawn’s life”.

This year’s Light up a Life tree will stand in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre until Tuesday 19^th December. The dedications will then be taken to St. Barnabas Church for a special Remembrance Service on Wednesday 20^th December at 7pm, where the tree will be blessed and loved ones will be remembered. All supporters of the campaign are invited to attend.

Hillstreet Shopping Centre Manager, Peter Drabble said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the host of Middleborough’s annual Teesside Hospice Light up a Life appeal. The Light up a Life tree will stand proudly in the centre once again and we hope we’re able to beat last year’s record breaking amount raised. This appeal raises vital funds towards the running of the Hospice, which we know is a real support to many of our local shoppers. We hope the community will once again get involved and give the appeal the massive boost it deserves.”

Colin McGinley Funeral Care Manager, Garry Savage said: “We are proud to support Teesside Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal and the work of the hospice which is vital within our local community. This appeal is a special way for families to remember their loved ones and we hope it provides comfort and support throughout the Christmas period.”

Teesside Hospice Fundraising Manager, Debbie Coulson, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Colin McGinley and the Hillstreet Shopping Centre once again. Due to their support we can ensure that every penny donated to Light up a Life goes directly towards caring for our patients and families at the hospice this Christmas.”

You can still make a dedication in memory of your loved one here https://teessidehospice.org/events/lightupalife/detail 

 For further information about Light up a Life, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01642 811145, email fundraising@teessidehospice.co.uk or visit www.teessidehospice.org