Remember loved ones and keep hospice charities shining brightly this Christmas
People in North Devon are being invited to remember someone they love this Christmas, while supporting the vital work of the region’s two hospice charities.
For 24 years, the annual Light Up a Life appeal has given people the chance to come together and light a candle in memory of loved ones at a series of special church services in support of North Devon Hospice (NDH) in Barnstaple, and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) in Fremington.
And while this December’s services are unable to go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charities hope that people will join them at virtual Light Up a Life services being broadcast live from each hospice on December 11.
A service from Deer Park will be streamed live on the NDH Facebook page at 6pm, followed by a live service from Little Bridge House on the CHSW Facebook page at 7pm. The uplifting services will feature carols, readings and moments to reflect and remember those no longer with us. The services will also be able to view on the charities’ websites for anyone who misses them. 
The North Devon Gazette has proudly backed the Light Up a Life appeal since its beginnings in 1995 and editor Tony Gussin said supporting the two hospices in such challenging times was more important than ever.
He said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on fundraising for both charities, yet they continue to provide essential care for hundreds of local people. We are incredibly fortunate to have these fantastic hospices on our doorstep, but they can only do what they do thanks to the generosity of local people.
“Light Up a Life is a beautiful way for people to remember those they have lost.
And in such a difficult year where we have lost so much, it is more important than ever to keep North Devon’s two hospice beacons shining brightly for everyone who needs them.
It’s not only fundraising that has been affected by the pandemic this year; both charities have had to adapt their care to ensure they can continue caring through Covid.
Sam Pidner, a care team leader at Little Bridge House, said the pandemic had heaped extra isolation and pressures on families who have spent many months at home shielding extremely vulnerable children.
“The hospice has remained open for end-of-life and emergency respite but for the first time ever, we have been going out into the community to support families at home,” said Sam.
"Many families have lost their care packages due to Covid so they have had to do all the care.
By visiting them at home, we’ve been able to step in and cover some of these packages and offer that respite support.
“We’ve also done lots of doorstep visits too – sometimes just to say hello and check everything’s Ok, to deliver a food parcel or take some homemade cake and activities for the children.”
Aimee Smith, Staff Nurse on North Devon Hospice’s Bedded Unit, says that the support of local people has been vital in these times.
“Our care has continued right throughout the difficulties of 2020, and it’s been vital for those people in North Devon facing an incurable illness like cancer. But this has only been possible thanks to the support of our local community, who have just been incredible.”
“The people we care for are going through the toughest times and are even more isolated without being able to have their usual network friends and family around them, so the support of the hospice has become a lifeline to so many. We hope local people take part in the Light Up a Life appeal this year, to ensure local patients and families get the care and support they need this Christmas.”
Both hospices are only able to continue providing this support because of the incredible fundraising by people in the local community. Please help them to be there for local families this Christmas by supporting this year’s Light Up a Life appeal.