HOSPICE GETS READY FOR LIGHT FOR A LIFE SERVICE

THE hospice will show its virtual Light for a Life service on Tuesday, November 30th to remember the lives of local people loved and lost.

Hospice patient Elaine Chamberlain, 52, from Ashton has the role of switching on the lights on a 28-ft Christmas tree positioned at the front of the hospice and covered with glittering lights all representing the life of someone special.

She will be accompanied in the video by Lisa Taylor, a Hospice Nurse Specialist who has worked at the charity for over 17 years, and will make a speech before Elaine switches on the lights.

Light for a Life is an annual service held by the Hindley-based hospice which provides care for adult patients nearing the end of their lives in Wigan Borough and also supports those people closest to patients.

Elaine

Elaine has been supported by the Hospice Nurse Specialist team, which provides hospice care for people at home, and the hospice physiotherapist on and off for five years when she has needed it.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and was given the all clear following an operation and chemotherapy. However, in 2016 it was discovered the cancer had returned in her spine and pelvis. She is also having treatment for lymphedema.
Elaine was referred to the hospice shortly after her diagnoses.

Elaine said: “Before COVID-19 I had catch ups with Lisa every couple of months and used to have physiotherapy at the hospice. Fortunately I got to the point where I didn’t need any support during the first 12 months or so of the pandemic but I started getting pain so I got re-referred and I’m getting help from Lisa again. Now she phones every few weeks and she has reviewed my medication to help with my pain. I’ve always known if I need help from the hospice I can get it.
“It was totally a shock when I was asked to be part of the service but I feel honoured.”

 

Readings and music

The Light for a Life service will also feature speeches and readings from Jo Carby, Chief Executive of the Hospice as well as the hospice’s Clinical Director, Vicki McLoughlin. Chair of the board of trustees Pauline Payne will deliver a reading and prayers will be led by Dr Sheila Fisher, a hospice trustee and licensed lay minister.

Music will be supplied by the Trinity Girls’ Brass Band and The Quest Trust Schools.

The ceremony will be shown on the hospice’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and on wlh.org.uk at 6.30pm on Tuesday, November 30th.

To make a dedication in memory of a loved one see Light for a Life or contact: fundraising@wlh.org.uk / 01942 525566 for a dedication form.