The Southern Area Hospice have invited the public to remember their loved ones at this year’s ‘Light Up a Life’ ceremony.
The ceremony is an opportunity for anyone in the community, regardless of their connection to the Hospice, to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones who have passed away.
Those who are unable to attend can dedicate a light on the Hospice’s virtual Christmas tree and share a special message to remember their loved one.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 6 at 12pm in the Craigavon Civic Centre. It will feature readings and reflections with music by St. Francis’ Primary School, Lurgan, with light refreshments to be served.
The Hanna family from Lurgan are supporting the campaign this year as the Southern Area Hospice cared for their dad, Harry.
Harry’s daughter, Jenny Hanna, explained: “After a sudden decline in dad’s health, he found himself in Hospice in February of 2019. The last week of our dad’s life was spent in the Hospice amongst the staff who had become friends to us all.
“It was where he wanted to be and where he felt safe and secure. During those difficult last days for us as a family, the Hospice staff helped us to live through the end of dad’s life, providing as much help and support as we needed. The medical staff were so in-tune with dad’s needs and treated him with dignity and respect.”
She continued: “As a family, we could not speak highly enough of the atmosphere of love and care that surrounded us whilst dad was a patient in Hospice. It might sound strange, but to us Hospice was an oasis in the midst of turmoil.”
Liz Cuddy, CEO of Southern Area Hospice, commented: “Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for those who are bereaved. Our annual Light Up a Life event gives people the opportunity to get together to remember and honour their loved ones.
“We hope the ceremony will provide comfort, support, and a sense of community for those who are grieving. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gordon’s Chemists and Killowen Contracts Ltd for their very generous sponsorship for this year’s Light Up a Life campaign.”
Supporters can dedicate a light on the virtual Christmas tree to support Southern Area Hospice. To view the tree and leave your special message, visit the portal online or call 028 3026 7711.
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