Watching the St Catherine’s Hospice Christmas Lights go on

Loved ones from across Lancashire were remembered this week at a poignant service at a Preston hospice.

St Catherine’s Hospice saw its annual light up a life attract families for a moment of reflection to the Light Up A Life ceremony.

The grounds of the hospice were lit by Christmas lights and they mark a memory of each family who has lost someone.

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects

Chief executive of the hospice Stephen Greenhalgh said: “St Catherine’s Light up a Life dedication evening is one of the most poignant moments in our annual calendar that is valued by the hundreds of families who attend each year.

“The short event in the hospice grounds, surrounded by Christmas lights dedicated to the lives of loved ones, offers local people an opportunity to remember and reflect together. Our Light up a Life evening is not only for families who have received care from the hospice, it is for everyone who wishes to be part of a shared moment of remembrance before the commencement of Christmas festivities.

Families inspect the book of remembrance

“I’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who contributed to this deeply moving evening, from our supporters who made dedications and attended on the night, to our committed staff and volunteers who do such a remarkable job.”

Every twinkling light is dedicated by a family member

St Catherine’s Christmas Festival takes place throughout this week (Saturday 3 December and Sunday 4 December) with the Santa Dash returning for Sunday morning.

Did you go along to the event? Let us know in the comments below