Birmingham St Mary's Hospice is bringing families from across Birmingham and Sandwell together to remember a lost loved one this Christmas.The Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ event gives people the opportunity to celebrate and remember the lives of those no longer with us. Each year, hundreds of people take part in the celebration, whether or not they have been directly supported by Birmingham St Mary's Hospice. Two ceremonies will be taking place on Thursday 15th December at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, lasting for approximately an hour and a half each.

For a donation, the outdoor event gives people the chance to dedicate a star in memory of a lost loved one and to honour their name in a Book of Remembrance, which will be on display at the Hospice.

Families are invited to come along and enjoy Christmas carols and songs from local choirs including the Birmingham Conservatoire before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Each light represents someone special who will be missed this festive season. BBC WM presenter Llwella Bailey who is a long-term supporter of the charity will also be speaking at the event.

Tina Swani, Chief Executive at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Our ‘Light up a Life’ event is an important fundraiser for the Hospice and it allows people from across Birmingham and Sandwell to remember and celebrate the life of someone special to them. Christmas can be a difficult time for anyone who has experienced loss and we welcome everyone to join us here at the Hospice for this special remembrance event.”

Light up a Life is part of the Hospice’s ‘Care at Christmas’ fundraising campaign, a range of events and activities to drive local support during the festive period. It costs £8 million each year to run the Hospice which provides care and support for over 1,200 individuals and their families, carers and loved ones. Over half of these running costs come from voluntary incomes.