ROWCROFT Hospice is inviting the community to take part in its annual ‘Light up a Life’ celebration by honouring and remembering the lives of loved ones lost.

Through November and December dedications can be made in memory of a loved one.

Rebecca Cogger, from Rowcroft, said: ‘Light up a Life is for everyone wishing to remember a loved one, not just those families cared for by Rowcroft.

‘Our Light up a Life celebration invites you to dedicate a light on our ‘Tree of Light’, in memory of those special people who shine brightly in your heart and who are truly missed every day.

‘Your light will then be illuminated in a wonderful online celebration on Sunday, December 5 with poignant readings, moving poems, soothing music, and quiet time for reflection.’

The Tree of Light, which nestles in the hospice’s garden in Torquay, will sparkle with hundreds of lights in memory of loved ones.

Rebecca added: ‘Your dedication enables you to celebrate the life of a loved one, and at the same time make a real difference to the lives of so many local patients and families needing Rowcroft’s expert care and support this Christmas.

‘Every kind donation will be used to care for people at home in their last two weeks of life, helping families to make the most of precious moments and enabling patients to achieve their final wish to be at home when they die.’

Megan King is one of Rowcroft’s nurses who cares for patients at home in their last two weeks of life.

She was inspired to work for the hospice after her second mum Annie, who had muscular dystrophy, was cared for by Rowcroft before she passed away.

Megan said: ‘Annie was such a fun and happy person, and she made Christmas so magical for all of us.

‘The first Christmas without her, we lit up a light for her through Rowcroft’s Light up a Life, and we took part in the service.

‘The first Christmas was the worst, but Light up a Life gave us an opportunity to remember her and to feel Christmassy, just as she would want.’