Ashgate Hospice has taken the decision to move its annual Light Up A Life ceremony from a physical to an online event, which will still take place this weekend on Sunday 12th December. 

The ceremony will be held as a virtual only event and live streamed from the hospice’s Facebook page from 6pm that day.  

The event, which was to be held outside the hospice at Old Brampton, is an annual event which sees hundreds of North Derbyshire residents come together to remember their loved ones.  

Jack Wood, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: 

“Due to the announcement from the Government to move to ‘Plan B’ COVID measures and with cases of the Omicron variant quickly rising, we’ve made the difficult but sensible decision to cancel this Sunday’s ceremony.   

“I know that a virtual only ceremony doesn’t come close to us all joining together to remember our loved ones, but I do hope that it brings some comfort at this time.  

“I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has dedicated a star in memory of someone special and to our main sponsors, Harold Lilleker & Sons, and the other businesses who have supported our appeal this year. 

“As COVID restrictions have tightened once again, we hope that our community can understand the steps we are taking to help keep our staff, volunteers, attendees and community safe and to help prevent the further spread of the virus.” 

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, has taken a stringent approach to infection control to keep the vulnerable patients in their care safe throughout the pandemic. 

So far, this has avoided any outbreaks of COVID and no cross infection of patients, staff, volunteers, or visitors to the hospice. The charity even walked away with the prestigious award from the Royal College of Nursing for their Outstanding Contribution to Infection Prevention and Control.  

Jack concluded: “I know that for many people the switching on of the hospice lights is a festive tradition and an important way for them to remember their loved ones. That is why we are inviting our local community to see the lights at a time that is convenient for them. They will be shining brightly from 4:30pm every evening until the 5th January.” 

Personal appointments to view the lights and remember a loved one alongside a member of the hospice’s Supportive Care Team will also be available to anyone who feels that might be helpful for them. Please email Ashgate’s Individual Giving Officer, Amy Buxton, at amy.buxton@ashgatehospice.org.uk to arrange.  

To remember someone you love and to make a dedication, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life or call 01246 567 250