Last Chance to Make your Dr Kershaw’s Light Up a Life Dedication to Remember Loved Ones
12 Nov 2021
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice invites the community of Oldham to remember those who are in their thoughts during the festive period.
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is welcoming the community to remember their loved ones at its annual Light Up a Life service, taking place virtually again this year. With the dedication deadline of Friday 19th November nearly upon is, it is not too late to make your dedication to be included in the Hospice’s online ‘Book of Remembrance’ as well as having your dedication on screen during the service.
The Light Up a Life service taking place on Sunday 5th December at 7pm, offers the community and those from further afield, the opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us and to cherish the special memories we have of those who are no longer here, but still very much in our hearts.
With continuing Covid measures in place at Dr Kershaw’s, holding the regular in-person event hasn’t been possible this year, however their virtual service proved so popular last year that the Hospice wanted to give everyone from Oldham, and the wider community, the opportunity to once again take part.
Hospice supporter, Keelley Wylie makes a Light Up a Life dedication each year, in memory of her mum, Susan who was cared for in 2018 by Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home service, before being admitted to the Hospice’s In-Patient Unit where she sadly passed away. Keelley said: “It’s probably the hardest thing you will ever do seeing your loved one being admitted to the Hospice knowing that they will never return home but from the moment my mum was admitted to Dr Kershaw’s she was treated like she was the most important person in the world and we knew then that she had made the right decision to go there. My mum was in a bed opposite a large window with a beautiful tree to look at. Every member of staff treated my mum as if it was just a normal day, not once was she treated as if she was at the end of her life which to us meant the absolute world. My mum became really poorly and she wanted Ashleigh, my daughter to jump in bed with her for a cuddle and I said she wouldn’t be allowed. A nurse overheard and said “If your grandma wants you to get into bed with her you get into bed with her!” So she did. That memory will stay with us forever and how lovely for my mum. Every member of staff that we saw was wonderful whether it be a doctor, nurse, cleaner, volunteer, no one could do enough for us!
It’s very hard to put into words because you hear and read about how amazing the care is at Dr Kershaw’s but until you have experienced it personally you have no idea just how amazing it is. The Light Up a Life service is a special time when we as a family can get together and take part in a beautiful service with other families. After attending our first one we were overwhelmed, although it was sad it was also nice, to sing carols in the dark with all the lights sparkling on the tree I felt like my mum was with us because she had passed away there.”
This year Keelley and her will be celebrating Susan’s life at Dr Kershaw’s annual Light Up a Life service. The money raised from this event, will go towards helping the Hospice’s team support families just like Keeley’s at a time when they need our help the most.
This year’s virtual service will follow its traditional format, allowing people from all over the borough to make a dedication in the form of a 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, Hospice Trustee Peter Wakefield, St Anne’s Primary School and the ceremonial lighting of the Hospice Remembrance Tree.
For each donation made, a light will be dedicated in memory of your loved one on the Hospice’s dedication tree, their name will also be included on-screen during the service, and will be available to view in the Book of Remembrance on the Hospice’s website. Once you have made a donation, you will also receive a Light Up a Life at Home Pack, which includes a dedication card, instructions on how to view/listen to this years’ service, 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 to light during the service in memory of those you hold dear. There is also the opportunity to purchase a 2021 Light Up a Life commemorative bauble to hang on your tree, for £4.50, available from the Hospice’s reception and three Hospice shops.
This years’ Light Up a Life service will be available online via the Hospice’s Facebook page and YouTube channel and will also be available to listen to on Oldham Community Radio 99.7FM following the successful feedback of the 2020 online service.
To dedicate a light at the Hospice’s 2021 Light Up a Life service please go to www.drkh.org.uk/LightUpaLife, complete a form in one of the three Hospice shops or call the Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984.
Registered Charity Number: 1105924
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
Turf Lane, Royton, Oldham OL2 6EU
phone: (0161) 624 2727