Bolton Hospice invite you to dedicate a light in memory of your loved one this year and to join them to get together to remember all our loved ones who have died.
Courtney Finch, Fundraiser at Bolton Hospice said: "Every year, the Light Up a Life appeal raises vital funds for Bolton Hospice at Christmas. By making a dedication and donation, you will be helping to provide the best Christmas possible for our patients and their loved ones. For some, it is the last Christmas they'll spend together with their loved ones, so we work tirelessly to ensure it is as memorable as possible for everyone we care for.
This year is the first year since the pandemic that everyone is able to come together side by side, and join with other families to commemorate your loved ones this Christmas. We will be holding two Light up a Life services during December for everyone who donates to the appeal and dedicates a light to their loved one this Christmas.
The Bolton Hospice service is on 7th December at 6:30pm and the Bolton Parish Church service is on 12th December at 7:00pm."
Light Up a Life has a special meaning for Claire and Daniel, who remember their loving mum and Nanna, Jackie Green.
"I honestly don't think I've ever encountered such a special place as Bolton Hospice. The care and compassion for the patient and their family unit goes above and beyond.
My mum was transferred from Royal Preston Hospital on after rapidly deteriorating with Pancreatic Cancer.
We had been told that mum's time left was very limited and the staff and volunteers made her final days as comfortable as possible - tempting her with favourite foods and drinks, offering pamper treatments and managing her pain expertly.
My son Daniel's visits to see his Nanna had been brought to a stop (at her request) during her deterioration in hospital as she felt the overly clinical setting may frighten him, plus her high levels of pain could often leave her in distress.
As Bolton Hospice offers such a calm and homely feel, and with Mum's pain management far better controlled, she agreed to a visit from Daniel. As it was Christmas time the staff organised a miniature Christmas Tree and decorations for him to decorate.
It was such a precious moment seeing Mum watch Daniel decorating the Christmas tree and enjoying some normality of the festive season. It became a real family effort with my sisters Bev and Karen searching out lights and us all getting involved. Paper chain making followed with the Hospice support workers and our dog Max even enjoyed a visit to Mum too!
Our family are forever grateful for the care that our Mum received at Bolton Hospice which allowed us to continue to create special moments - thank you!"
You can make a donation to the appeal by visiting www.boltonhospice.org.uk/LUAL or contact Courtney in our fundraising department on 01204 663 065.