Kilbryde Hospice aim to light up Lanarkshire

Oct 19 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

THE Kilbryde Hospice are hoping their latest fundraising campaign in the run up to Christmas will blaze a trail across Lanarkshire.

This week the charity, who plan to start work on building their new purpose-build, in-patient hospice in the grounds of Hairmyres Hospital early in the new year, launched their Light a Light campaign.

They are inviting their supporters from throughout the county to remember someone they have loved and lost by sponsoring a light on the Kilbryde Hospice Tree of Remembrance.

The special Christmas tree, which is being donated by Dobbies Garden Centre at Sandyholm, will be erected in the main Kilbride Hospice Shop in East Kilbride Shopping Centre towards the end of November.

Hospice supporters can pick up a Light a Light leaflet from the hospice shop or the furniture store, which is also situated in the East Kilbride centre, the Kilbryde Day Hospice in the Red Deer Centre in East Kilbride or from numerous other outlets throughout Lanarkshire.

They should then return the completed form along with a donation to the memory of someone special to the Hospice Appeal, who will dedicate a light on the Tree of Remembrance.

The Hospice Appeal will also send the sponsor a Light a Light commemorative Christmas card inscribed with the name of their loved one and with space to add a special message if desired.

Lights can also be dedicated online at www.kilbrydehospice.org.uk or by telephone on 01698 717260.

Dennis Gallagher, chairman of Kilbryde Hospice, explained the reasons for the launch.

He said: “As the festive season approaches, many of us take time out to remember those who are, for whatever reason, unable to be with us.

“Kilbryde Hospice now offers people in our community a special way to remember those loved ones this Christmas – Light a Light.

“This year, I invite local people to dedicate a light to someone special on the Kilbryde Hospice Tree of Remembrance, celebrate your memories of them and help us care for those with life limiting illnesses at a time when they need it most.”

There will be a special Tree of Remembrance lighting ceremony on Monday, December 5 at 6.30pm.

On behalf of the hospice appeal, Dennis invited everyone interested to join him for the ceremony.

He added: “At the ceremony we will Light a Light for those we miss, those we have loved, and those who will need our care in the future.

“When you Light a Light on Kilbryde Hospice’s Tree of Remembrance you enable us to care for the people of South Lanarkshire through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

“It currently costs Kilbryde Hospice more than £12 to provide five minutes of nursing care.

“We can only do this thanks to the generous support of the people of the area.

“Their kindness makes this possible.”

Stuart Glen, fundraising manager with Kilbryde Hospice, said: “Light A Light would not have been possible without the tremendous support from local businesses displaying the Light A Light leaflets and posters.

“I would like to thank the Nationwide Building Society branches in East Kilbride and Strathaven who were the first local businesses to support Light A Light.

“If your company or place of work would be willing to display Light A Light leaflets and a poster, then please get in touch with me.

“ Together, let’s light up Lanarkshire.”