‘Light a light’ to remember a loved one this Christmas

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

St Columba's Hospice launches annual Christmas appeal

St Columba's Hospice has launched its annual Christmas appeal, Light a Light 2010 - a special way for people to remember the family and friends who are no longer with them, while supporting the work of their local hospice at the same time.

Light a Light gives people the chance to dedicate a light to a loved one on the St Columba's Tree of Remembrance. The 40ft tall tree, donated by Forestry Commission Scotland, will then be lit up with over 5,000 lights in Charlotte Square Gardens at a special ceremony on 6 December 2010. More than 2,000 people are expected to watch the tree's lights being switched on by Sir Tom Farmer at this year's event. Gates open at 5.30pm, and the lighting ceremony will begin at 6.30pm.

Sir Tom Farmer said:

"The St Columba's tree is not a Christmas tree - it's a tree of memories. Each light on this tree represents the memory of someone that is loved and missed by someone in our community. Each one is a symbol of a life remembered."

Sarah Broadley, a supporter of St Columba's Hospice, marks the start of Christmas each year by donating to the Light a Light appeal and watching the tree lighting ceremony. Sarah said:

"Christmas is a special time for everyone but what makes it for me is the Light a Light ceremony every December. Christmas was my Mum's favourite time of year and going to the ceremony helps us start the countdown to Santa with a bang, just as she would have done. Having my family with me at the event helps keep the evening light hearted but it also gives me the chance to remember her and how much she loved this time of year. When the ceremony is over and the tree is standing tall for all to see, it's very humbling and you appreciate everything you have that little bit more.

"Donating to the Light a Light appeal is very easy and in return you are given a wonderful token of remembrance at this special time of year, not just for a loved one but for all the fantastic staff at the hospice who help make every minute count. Every year the tree gets bigger and bigger, so here's hoping it's the best year yet and we can truly light up Charlotte Square and get the festive season off to a great start."

Lesley Christie, Director of Fundraising for St Columba's Hospice said:

"For many, Christmas is a time when people reflect and think about the family and friends who are no longer with them. Light a Light is our special way for people to remember and celebrate the lives of the people they miss, and at the same time, bringing them together as part of the St Columba's Hospice family.

"We hope that the people of Edinburgh and beyond will dig deep this Christmas and help us make our 2010 Light a Light appeal the biggest and best yet." 

There is no set price to dedicate a light, and even a small donation can go a long way towards helping St Columba's Hospice care for more than 1,000 patients and their families each year. Just £5 can pay for a patient's meal, £10 can help buy flowers to brighten the wards, while a larger donation of £100 or more can help pay for a patient's home visit by a community care nurse, or go towards the cost of new medical equipment.

People who would like to donate and dedicate a light for a loved one on the St Columba's Tree of Remembrance can do so online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk or by calling 0131 551 1381.

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For more information or to arrange an interview opportunity, please email Isabelle Herlt, PR and Communications Manager or call 0131 551 1381.

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