THE weekend of November 25-26 marks the Michael Sobell Hospice annual Light Up A Life Appeal, for families and friends to come together in memory of and to celebrate the life of a loved one. Or they can say thank-you to a special someone at Christmas time.

Ceremonies of music and readings will be held on the Saturday at the Michael Sobell Centre, located on the Mount Vernon Hospital site, off White Hill, Northwood, with music provided by Harrow-based choir Jubilate, and on Sunday, at the Northwood Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, with music from Rickmansworth-based choir Lemon Tuesday.

They will take place at 4pm and 6pm on both days. There will also be time for quiet reflection and refreshments after each ceremony.

As part of the Light Up A Life appeal, the charity is inviting people to dedicate a shining light, to be lit as part of the ceremonies and illuminated until the Twelfth Night of 2018 on a special Remembrance Tree.

The names of all those to whom a light has been dedicated will be placed on the tree and in a Light Up A Life keepsake programme.

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Last year’s Light Up A Life appeal, helped to raise more than £6,800 towards essential hospice care services, including a 16-bed in-patient unit.

Michael (Mick) Power, who died at Michael Sobell in May 2016, spent much of his terminal illness as an in-patient.

His wife, Norma, explained: “It became a second home to myself and my family, so much so, I personally felt safer there than at home, as I know was the case for my husband.

“The support shown to us as a family at this very sad and difficult time, both during Mick’s stay and after his passing, meant everything to us.

“Nothing was too much trouble for any member of the team, including the volunteers who always found time for us.

“The hospice was where my husband wished to spend his final time and this is directly because of the relationships he had built there.

“He felt calm, comfortable and safe. This meant so much to me and certainly helped me to begin my journeys back home, be it without the love of my life.

“The gardens, the family room, the wildlife area, the sofas (and the coffee machine!) gave us much-needed places to reflect and gather our thoughts.

“The staff always kept us up to date in a sensitive and caring manner. They gave us the space when we needed it and a shoulder to cry on. We will never forget the amazing people at Michael Sobell Hospice.”

Norma added: “If I had to recall any strong memories, it would be seeing our grandson, Freddie, taking his first steps at Michael Sobell in front of his doting grandad.”

For further details about the appeal, including how to make a dedication or to attend a remembrance ceremony, visit www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 020 3826 2367.