Paula Tempest, Clinical Lead in Inpatient Services said, “I would love to welcome you to one of this year’s Light up a Light services. Together we can remember and pay tribute to those in our thoughts this Christmas. For me personally, it is an important time to reflect on my experiences of caring for patients and their families. During each service we will switch on our tree which is illuminated by hundreds of lights, each dedicated to someone special.”

The two events, held in Hartlepool and Peterlee, close the yearly campaign in which people dedicate a light on a Christmas tree to loved ones in their thoughts at Christmas.

The Hartlepool service takes place at 7pm on Thursday 13 December at Saint Paul’s Church (music from Choral Interlude)

The Peterlee service will be held on Friday 14 December at 6:30 at Saint Cuthbert’s Church (Music from Saint Cuthberts Church Choir)

Both services will include a lighting of the Christmas tree and music from choirs, respectively Choral Interlude and Saint Cuthbert’s own church choir.

Greg Hildreth, a fundraiser at the Hospice said “Light up a Life is one of our biggest annual campaign and it’s a time to think about loved ones and reflect on some special memories. On behalf of Alice House, I would like to thank our sponsors at Victoria House as well as both churches for holding the services. I hope that Light up a Life offers some comfort to people.”