Hundreds of people came together on Sunday evening to remember someone important to them at Ashgate Hospice’s annual Light up a Life event, sponsored by Harold Lilleker & Sons Ltd – helping to raise more than £55,000, with donations still coming in.
This year, around 500 supporters took part in the 1.6 mile lantern-lit procession through Old Brampton to the hospice. They were joined by a further 150 people who attended the remembrance ceremony in the hospice gardens.
The evening offered a quiet moment of reflection during what has been a difficult few weeks in the local community, following the news shared by the hospice on 21 October about its financial pressures and the difficult decisions that may follow.
Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Light up a Life this year. After what has been a challenging period for our hospice, seeing so many people stand side by side in remembrance meant more than we can say.
“For many, this time of year can be incredibly hard. Coming together in this way – to pause, to remember and to honour someone important – is a powerful reminder of the strength within our community.”
Led by Ashgate’s Spiritual Care Practitioner Tim Wheeler, the event featured music from Sheffield’s Cancer Choir and vocalist, Alex Eastwood and thoughtful readings.
Dedications still open online
Although the event has taken place, people can still dedicate a star in Ashgate’s virtual night sky in honour of someone important to them. Each dedication helps fund specialist end of life and palliative care for people across North Derbyshire.
With the NHS now covering only half of the cost of the care it asks the hospice to provide – an amount which is falling in real terms each year as costs rise – community support is essential. Every year, Ashgate needs to raise around £11 million to provide specialist care, but rising costs, growing demand and limited NHS funding are creating a widening gap.
How to dedicate a star
Stars can be dedicated at any time throughout the winter for a suggested donation of £25 at: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life
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Ashgate Hospice, based in Chesterfield, provides specialist palliative and end of life care including a wide range of community-based care and support services for people with a life-limiting illness and the people important to them across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. ashgatehospice.org.uk
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