Hartlepool & District Hospice

LIGHTING UP HOSPICE FUNDS

THOUSANDS OF POUNDS have been raised for local Hospice care by people dedicating lights in memory of their loved ones.

£22,105.31 was raised from Hartlepool and District Hospice’s Light up a Life campaign in December 2009 and was presented by event sponsor Mason and Gerald Martin today. The annual campaign gives local people the chance to remember the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us by dedicating a light on a special Christmas tree at Hartlepool Maritime Experience.

Tracy Woodall, Chief Executive of Hartlepool and District Hospice said “Light up a Life is always a very special event for the local community and this is shown in the generous support we receive each year. Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and Light up a Life gives people the opportunity to stop and pay tribute to their loved ones who are no longer with us.”

The two Light up a Life services at Hartlepool Maritime Experience and St Cuthbert’s Church Peterlee included readings, carols and the illumination of lights dedicated in memory of someone.

“Both services that were held to mark the event were very popular and we would like to thank everyone who came along and all those who dedicated a light on our trees for their support. The funds raised from this event will now help us continue providing our vital care to hundreds of families who need access to specialist care and bereavement support.”

People who dedicated a light in memory of a loved one also had the name of their loved one inscribed in the book of remembrance, which is now on display at the Hospice.

Gerald Martin of Mason and Gerald Martin, who sponsored the event, said “It is with great delight that as the town’s leading funeral directors, we are happy and delighted on this occasion to support Hartlepool and District Hospice, our local Hospice.”

All donations from Light up a Life help to maintain and develop the care and support the Hospice offers local families in the Hartlepool and east Durham area. It will cost the Hospice £2.5million to maintain their current level of care this year with only 20 percent coming from the government.

EARLY CALL FOR CALENDAR IMAGES

Hartlepool and District Hospice has put an early appeal out to photographers for photographs to feature in their 2011 calendar.

Landscape images of the Hartlepool and east Durham area are sought from both amateur and professional photographers for the calendar which will be on sale from August this year.

Chief executive of Hartlepool and District Hospice Tracy Woodall said: “We are looking for photographs of the local area of Hartlepool and east Durham. Each year we receive some beautiful images from people all across the area which makes our calendar very popular with supporters.”

Last year the Hospice calendar raised over £16,000 to help local people affected by life limiting illness of the death of a loved one. Thousands are sold locally each year and the Hospice also receives orders from around the world for the calendar.

“Our supporters come back year after year to buy our calendar as they enjoy seeing local scenes captured by local photographers. Many of these orders are from locals who have moved away from the area but still want to stay connected to the region. This year we are pulling our calendar together early to have to opportunity to sell them at the Tall Ships event in August as this will be a nice keepsake for visitors to the area.” said Tracy.

Every photo that is received will be considered by the calendar committee and the 12 final photos will be chosen via a vote. In return for the photographs the photographer’s name will feature on a tear-off postcard on the calendar.

The deadline the Hospice has given to receive photographs is March 26 2010 and anyone interested in contributing should contact Christina Pounder on (01429) 855531 or email cpounder@hartlepoolhospice.co.uk.