Thousands attend 'Light up a Life' ceremony

Around 3,000 people attended Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross Dublin today for the annual 'Light up a Life' remembrance ceremony.

Designed to allow relatives and friends of those who have passed away while in the care of the hospice to come together and remember, the ceremony also helps in raising much needed funds so that services provided by the hospice movement can continue.

Now in its 16th year, the lights were turned by the Guest of Honor, RTÉs Marty Whelan.

Sister Xavier Walsh, of the Sisters of Charity who run the hospice said: “People come to the Hospice to sponsor a light in memory of their loved ones who have passed away. It can be a very emotional and moving time when the tree lights up”. The lights are symbolic of all those family members and friends who are no longer with us.

Lights are sponsored on the giant Christmas tree in memory of a loved one or as a Christmas gift.

The 'Light up a Life' Fundraising campaign raised over €400,000 last year and it is hoped this year’s event will be just as successful. Funds raised will go towards enhancing patient comfort and care services at Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross, and Blackrock.

In March 2006 a new 50 bedded extended care unit, Anna Gaynor House, for the care of the elderly was opened. The €13m cost of the new building was met by fund raising events such as the 'Light up a Life' initiative, and by donations from the public.