Each year St Michael’s Hospice hosts Lights of Love, an opportunity to make a tangible act of remembrance for loved ones no longer with us, in the form of dedicating a star or heart on a Lights of Love tree. Whether your loved one received the care of St Michael’s Hospice or not, young or old, local or further afield, all can be remembered with Lights of Love.

Every year hundreds of people join together in the simple act of writing a personal message on either a star or a heart which cover our beautiful Lights of Love trees. Each star or heart is placed next to a light on a tree at the location of your choice.

Annabel has taken part in Lights of Love for the past five years; “Thinking about and writing my star for the Lights of Love event in December is always the start of my Christmas. I write the same poem to my parents every year and just reading the words back to myself will bring tears to my eyes. As I pop the star into the post box I’m already wondering which tree we will find it on and who else I will meet there this year. As the nights draw in and the wind turns chilly, I start to think about who might like to join us round the trees at the Hospice. It’s such a magical sight that I love to share it with others.

The buzz and chatter as families gather around the trees touching their stars and reading others nearby is a comforting feeling. Then as the sky turns deep blue the lights are switched on and the trees glow with the stars reflecting the warm twinkling lights. Just being there, where my Mummy died, is comforting too. But I’m there for my Dad as well even though he didn’t die in the Hospice. And friends are there too remembering their loved ones, young and old. Everyone is welcome to send in a star and join in this special event. Experiencing the warmth that the Hospice gives, especially at this perfect Christmas Lights of Love event, is magical.”