Birmingham Hospices invite supporters to join their annual Light up a Life celebrations on Thursday 9th December at 6:30pm.
The Hospice Charity Partnership, formed from Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices, are this year holding their first joint Light up a Life celebration, inviting supporters from across Birmingham to come together to remember dearly missed loved ones this Christmas.
Welcoming families to their hospice sites in Selly Park and Erdington over the festive period has long been a tradition for both charities, however with last year’s Covid-19 restrictions, celebrations were taken online.
After the success of their virtual Light up a Life events, this year sees both Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices offering a special hybrid event for supporters whereby they can participate either in person or via a live stream on their social media pages.
Beth McCreedy, In Memory Fundraiser for The Hospice Charity Partnership said “Last year we were devastated to have to cancel our normal Light up a Life celebration. Having our supporters gather together as we turn on our Christmas tree here at the hospices and remember loved ones has long been a tradition for us, and for many of our attendees it symbolises the start of their festivities.
“We were able to hold a virtual Light up a Life service by putting together a video of choirs, readings, music, fireworks and of course the lighting of our Christmas tree so that our supports could still have that special moment to reflect and remember those that will be missing this Christmas, but from the comfort of their own home. We were overwhelmed with the support that we received and so we’ll be keeping the virtual element to our celebrations this year, whilst still inviting those who wish to come along to a more informal version of our annual outdoor celebration.”
This year, the event will be held on Thursday 9th December at 6:30pm, at both hospice sites in Selly Park and Erdington, as well as being live streamed on both hospice Facebook pages at the same time for those who want to remember a loved one whilst staying warm at home. The in person event will be a small, intimate ‘Carols around the Christmas Tree’ service featuring a brass band and choir to accompany attendees as they come together to sing carols before the lighting of the tree. As the event is outdoors, those attending are asked to dress in weather appropriate clothing.
Beth added “For those who can’t join either service, or who want to make a special donation in memory of a loved one, we have a virtual Christmas tree where dedications can be made. Choose a light or a star on the tree, upload your loved ones photo, add your message and make a donation to support hospice care this Christmas.
“We love reading all of the beautiful dedications that have been added to our virtual Christmas tree and want to say a huge thank you to everyone that makes a donation to enable us to continue providing care and support to those who need it most over the festive season, and beyond.”
For more information about the upcoming Light up a Life celebration or to make your donation, please visit either: birminghamhospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life or Johntaylorhospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life
BVoices is committed in supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Please see the following:
• Community Chat for south west Birmingham • Coronavirus support
• Community Classroom – Resources for parents & carers
• Community Together • Mental Health & Wellbeing through COVID-19
• Community Kindness • Positive acts during the COVID-19 outbreak
• SW Brum Camera Club – for the love of the lens – Photography Birmingham
• SWBrum Jobs Page
• Community Recycle – Repurpose & Reuse – SW Birmingham & Surrounding