Light Up A Life: snow hits Saturday but Sunday goes ahead - PHOTOS

The annual Light Up a Life service at Pendleside Hospice saw the Reedley hospice and its grounds transformed into a sea of coloured twinkling lights as a memorial to lost loved ones.

A service had been due to take place on Saturday and Sunday but organisers took the decision to call off Saturday’s event after snowfall made roads dangerous.

The service included a special address by the hospice’s spiritual care co-ordinator, Mr Chris Cheeseman, and music was provided by the Salvation Army Band who played seasonal hymns.

There were also specially chosen readings by hospice staff and an appearance from young singing sensation Grace O’Malley.

Civic leaders from across East Lancashire were in attendance with the Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Anthony Beckett, switching on the lights.

After Christmas the names of everyone remembered with a light will be entered into a special leather-bound Book of Remembrance which will be kept on display at the hospice throughout the year.

Hospice fund-raising manager Mrs Kaye Bartle said: “Christmas can be difficult for those who have lost someone close, particularly if this is the first year without that special person that lit up your life.

“Light Up A Life is an opportunity to remember them in a positive way as well as helping the hospice carry on its important work with local people.”

People were also given the chance to warm up with mince pies and hot drinks after the service and everyone was given a keepsake in the shape of a service programme which was produced by Alderson and Horan Funeral Services. The Book of Remembrance was donated by Co-operative Funeral Services.

Light Up A Life is one of the hospice’s biggest annual fund-raising events and organisers are hoping to smash last year’s record of £103,000.

One of two services in 2009 also had to be cancelled because of the weather.