Hospice charity launches Light Up a Life appeal

October 20, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Essex-wide charity, Havens Hospices, is holding its annual ‘Light Up a Life’ event to remember loved ones on the run up to Christmas. 

Light Up a Life gives people the chance to dedicate a light in memory of someone close to them.

Christmas trees displayed at the charity’s two hospices - Little Havens in Benfleet and Fair Havens in Westcliff on Sea - will then be decorated with lights throughout December with each light representing the life of someone who has died.  There is also the opportunity to record the name of their loved one in the charity’s Books of Remembrance, which will be on display across the county at services held by Havens Hospices and throughout 2020 in locations including Fair Havens Hospice, Southend Crematorium, St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell and Canvey Methodist Church.  

Sharon Davies, Marketing Officer at Havens Hospices, explained, “As the festive season approaches, Havens Hospices understands that it can sometimes be a difficult time, particularly for anyone who is experiencing bereavement.

“Light Up a Life is a chance for you to remember your loved one in a special way, in return for a small donation to Havens Hospices. When our Christmas trees are lit up, they are a beautiful and touching reminder of special people who are no longer with us, with every sparkle representing the life of someone who is greatly missed and fondly remembered. Their names will also be on display in our beautiful Books of Remembrance throughout 2020.”

Havens Hospices includes Little Havens Hospice, The J’s Hospice and Fair Havens Hospice. When a family has been told that there’s no cure for their loved one’s illness, Havens Hospices can help, controlling pain and medication, supporting families, offering short breaks and caring for babies, children, teenagers and adults across Essex at the end of their lives.

The specialist care is free – for as long as it is needed – within the home and at the charity’s two hospice buildings. 

At Fair Havens, the Day Hospice Sister Denise Douglas and her team are happy to support Light Up a Life. She said, “Light Up a Life is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate life and to remember those special to us.”

At Little Havens, Nursery Nurse Tracy Webb and her colleagues also support the appeal. She said, “Light Up a Life is a wonderful way to remember someone special and support local hospice care.”

Sharon added, ““You don’t have to have experienced hospice care to dedicate a light. Anyone can join in and you’ll be coming together with others in the community remembering loved ones while ‘Making every day count’ for everyone we care for in the future. As a token of our thanks for your support, we will send you a remembrance card plus a special tag which you can display as a tribute to your loved one on your own tree at home.”

To Light Up a Life, call Sharon on 01702 220310 by Friday 15th November or go to www.havenshospices.org.uk/lual.