DR Kershaw’s Hospice is inviting the community of Oldham to remember those who are in their thoughts, during the festive period as it takes its annual Light Up a Life service virtual on Sunday, December 6.

The virtual service, starting at 7pm is a first for the hospice which has had to look to alternative methods to bring the popular im-memorial event safely to the community due to government guidelines and the on-going pandemic.

The annual service, which will go live via the hospice’s Facebook page and YouTube channel aims to bring the community together to celebrate those special people who have helped light up their life, while also helping to keep their memory alive and positively support their local hospice.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has also collaborated with Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm to bring the service to the airwaves so all can participate.

The ceremony will follow its traditional format, allowing people from all over the borough to make a dedication in the form of shining light on the dedication tree which is situated within the hospice grounds to remember their loved ones no matter their faith, culture or connection to the hospice.

The virtual service will include multi-faith readings, performances from the hospice’s very own choir, The Dr Kershaw’s Crooners and the Saddleworth Musical Society and the ceremonial lighting of the Hospice Remembrance Tree.

Those who wish to dedicate a light can also request a Light Up A Life At Home pack which includes instructions on how to join the service, an order of service so that you can follow the event from the comfort of your own home, a greeting card with your dedication inside, a cut-out star to hang on your tree at home or any space that holds a special place in your heart, and a tea light candle which we would encourage you to light during the service in memory of those you hold dear, or on a day that is special to you.

Dedications will be available to make over the phone by calling the fundraising team directly on 0161 624 9984 or via the Hospice website via www.drkh.org.uk/support-us/light-life from the 14th September.

All dedications made before Monday 9th November will be included in the hospice ‘Book of Remembrance and names will be visible on-screen during the service. The Book of Remembrance will be available to collect from the Hospice’s portfolio of charity shops week commencing the 23rd November until stocks last.

Emotional and Bereavement support nurse Kathryn Harding said: “The Light Up A Life event is a chance to come together in remembering our loved ones and supporting one another through the challenges of ill health, grief and bereavement.

"This seems particularly important this year when many of our usual avenues of comfort and strength have been disturbed and disrupted. Your participation helps us to continue to support our patients and their families to the very best of our ability and empowers us to work effectively for the community of Oldham. It means a lot to us."