Nottinghamshire Hospice has launched its Light Up A Life appeal.

Each year, it gives local people a chance to shine a light on the lives of loved ones who have died, through a donation towards the Hospice’s vital care.

This year dedications will be displayed both in a digital night sky filled with stars for each person remembered, and a dedication wall at the hospice with handwritten stars. Visitors are welcome to visit these dedications over the course of November and December.

Jacqui, who has supported the hospice for more than a decade after it cared for her mum, Margaret, who died of dementia, said: “My dad, then nearly 90, was mum’s primary carer, supported by myself and my sisters. We arranged for some residential respite care to give my father a rest, but mum found it impossible to settle away from the people and home that she loved, so we made the decision to have her nursed at home.

“Her condition deteriorated, and she became bedridden. When we were able to secure overnight care from Nottinghamshire Hospice, we knew that she would be safe and well looked after. The Light Up A Life campaign is an initiative that I always support. Christmas is a time for reflection and looking back to the people we’ve lost. It’s good to turn these thoughts into something positive.”

Cathie Alcock, a nurse and head of Community Services at the hospice – she and her teams deliver end-of-life care directly in people’s homes – added: “Our care is special and is a lifeline for people caring for loved ones at the end of their life. We offer relief in their darkest moments and help more people die at home surrounded by home comforts and loved ones.”

The Hospice is also holding two remembrance events on Sunday, 1st December, when people can join others in a moment of reflection – with candle lighting, readings and refreshments, as well as the chance to see the dedication wall at the hospice.

For more information about Light Up A Life, go to nottshospice.org/light