Hundreds gathered together to remember lost loved ones and watch a Stafford charity’s Christmas lights turn on.

The community came together at Katharine House Hospice, Weston Road on Sunday, 10 December for a special service.

Hundreds gathered together to remember lost loved ones and watch a Stafford charity’s Christmas lights turn on.

The community came together at Katharine House Hospice, Weston Road on Sunday, 10 December for a special service.

Each of the charity’s Christmas lights were sponsored in memory of someone special as part of their annual Light up a Life appeal.

The charity has been running the appeal for more than 20 years as a way for the community to celebrate the lives of their loved ones and help fund the vital work they do.

The money raised from donations goes towards enabling patients with life limiting conditions across mid Staffordshire to live life as fully as possible and make the most of the time that they have.

The 25-foot tree formed the focal point of the annual celebration, which saw their Christmas lights first dedicated and then switched on as families and friends listened to choirs and carols.

Visitors could also view their loved one’s name in the Book of Lights, as a light shone in their honour.

Director of Care David Fletcher said: “It was touching to see so many people come together on such a cold night to remember those we miss. The tree looked beautiful and we’re so grateful to all those who've paid tribute to lost loved ones in support of our charity and helped make our Light up a Life event special.”

It costs £3.7 million a year for Katharine House Hospice to provide their specialist care, which is given for free and provided where and when it is needed most – in the community, at home, or at the hospice.

The tree was donated by Treeway Fencing Ltd with MMS Marketing sponsoring its lights for the 20th consecutive year, which allows the charity to put the funds raised - more than £40,000 so far - into supporting more than 2,000 patients and families a year.

Pic: Healing Voices Choir (Photos courtesy of Paul Milgate- Scarrott)

You can still remember a loved one with their virtual tree, where you can make a dedication and also add your loved one’s name, a message and an image, and visit their physical tree on Weston Road until Saturday, 6 January.

https://www.khhospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life