Remember someone special with the North Devon Hospice Light Up a Life appeal

Christmas is a time when memories burn brightest. So, this week North Devon Hospice has launched its much-loved Light Up a Life campaign, inviting local people to dedicate a star in memory of someone special.

This year’s campaign also offers something brand new to those remembering a loved one, with every Light Up a Life star being hung on a huge, dedicated Christmas tree in Barnstaple’s Pannier Market - a glowing tribute to those no longer with us.

The tree will be lit during a special Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 18. Admission is free and as well as live music there will be festive food and drink, plus the chance to see your star sparkle on the tree in memory of someone you love.

Lizzie Hanks, head of fundraising at North Devon Hospice, said: “Dedicating a star to someone you love through Light Up a Life is also a way of making something incredible happen in their memory.

“Every donation made - when dedicating a star - will help local people who need the care of the hospice this festive season.

“There are families in our care who will be spending their last Christmas all together, but your dedication can make sure it’s filled with as much comfort and joy and possible.”

For the Parnell family, Light up a Life is a treasured way to celebrate and remember their ‘Christmas-obsessed’ mum, Julie, who brought the magic of the season to life every year.

“Mum made Christmas magical, it’s our turn to make her memory shine.” said Julie’s daughter, Zoe Parnell from Barnstaple.

“Mum was such a big fan of Christmas. She had a whole drawer of Christmas brooches and a wardrobe full of festive jumpers!

“The house would be tinselled up from floor to ceiling and my favourite thing was watching mum get out all the old decorations me and my brothers had made at school. They are just coloured pieces of cardboard, almost 40-years-old! But they meant the world to mum and she loved bringing them out every year, no matter how old us kids got.”

Above: Julie Parnell, left, sadly passed away just over a year ago but her family plan to make her memory shine this Christmas.

READ NEXT: North Devon man remembers late wife through hospice Light Up a Life campaign

Julie died just over a year ago, having been cared for by North Devon Hospice both in her own home and on their Bedded Unit.

This December, Julie’s name will hang proudly on the Light Up a Life tree, as well as on the family tree among her children’s homemade decorations that she treasured so dearly.

“I hope other people who are missing someone will find comfort in Light Up a Life,” said Zoe.

“It’s a beautiful way to honour them and to help other families who need the hospice this Christmas.”

Get your star to remember someone special by visiting https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/events/light-up-a-life

The Light Up a Life tree will be available to view in Barnstaple Pannier Market from November 27 to December 31. The tree will be lit as part of a free Christmas Concert, to which the whole community is invited, at 6pm on Thursday, December 18.