A mother from Harrogate is urging local people to celebrate the lives of loved ones this Christmas by taking part in a community remembrance event.
Lisa Hunter, from Bilton, Harrogate, is supporting Saint Michael’s Light up a Life, the annual event that gives local people an opportunity to remember loved ones at a special ceremony.
Lisa, 34, said:
It was devastating when my Mum died in May 2010.
I struggled to come to terms with it and tried desperately to protect my son Sam from my grief. I didn’t want him to see me cry.
Sam and his grandma were so close, they had a really special bond.
Saint Michael’s bereavement service, JustB, helped us, as a family, to work through our bereavement and now we can remember mum in the way she would have wanted.
Remembering her positively is important to us. Sam and I released a helium balloon on the first anniversary of her death, and we will celebrate her life by dedicating a light in her memory on Saint Michael’s Christmas tree.
Lisa’s seven-year-old son, Sam, is also set to take part in the event by decorating a ‘memory star’ which he will hang on the tree during the Light up a Life service.
Sam, a year two pupil at Coppice Valley Community Primary School, said:
I really miss grandma, she used to tickle my feet when we sat on the sofa.
I am good at art and I enjoy drawing so I am making a memory star for my grandma this Christmas to remember her.
The dedicated lights will be illuminated at one of two special community events, the first on Sunday December 4 at Ripon Cathedral and the second taking place on Sunday December 11 at Saint Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate.
Saint Michael’s make no charge for dedications, although donations are gratefully received.
Donations from last year’s event totalled £42,000 including Gift Aid.
All donations from this appeal will help the Hornbeam Park based charity ensure more local people get the care and support they need to live their last years, months and days with choice, respect and dignity.
Saint Michael’s needs £3.9million each year to continue to provide its vital services.
To dedicate a light, call Saint Michael’s on (01423) 879 687 or visit www.lightupalife.net
