Barnsley Hospice holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of many across our town, and as we approach the festive season, their Light up a Life appeal provides a poignant opportunity for people to remember their loved ones and support the hospice they relied upon.
The appeal has been running for almost 20 years and offers people the opportunity to make a donation and dedicate a light in memory of someone they love.
In a non-religious service outside the hospice tomorrow at 4.30pm, where all are welcome, hundreds of lights will be illuminated on Christmas trees in memory of those no longer with us.
There will also be a religious service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, again poignantly illuminating a Christmas tree in the memory of those we have lost.
As someone who has seen first-hand the compassionate care Barnsley Hospice provides - both as a local MP and as a patron - I know how vital their work is to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Having the hospice on our doorstep means that local people can be secure in the knowledge that if they or their loved ones need specialist care for a life-limiting illness, they would be able to receive it surrounded by compassionate, friendly and experienced staff in a caring environment.
The care provided by Barnsley Hospice is free of charge for those who need it, but it comes at a significant cost.#
Each year, the hospice must raise an additional £3.5m on top of the funding it receives from the NHS. This money is critical to keeping the lights on, paying staff, and ensuring that local people can access compassionate, specialist care close to home.
Light up a Life is just one of the many ways the hospice reminds us of the value it brings to our town and follows their Christmas coffee morning, which was great fun to attend and - most importantly - helped raise vital funds for the work they do.
Whether you have dedicated a light to a loved one, volunteered your time, or contributed to the hospice’s other fundraising efforts like the coffee morning, your involvement makes a real difference.
The hospice’s work embodies the very spirit of our town: resilience, kindness and a determination to support one another in a time of need.
Their staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the care they need during the most challenging times of their lives, and without our collective support, the hospice’s ability to provide this vital service wouldn’t be possible.
So, as we prepare to remember those we’ve lost, I urge everyone who can to get involved with Barnsley Hospice - whether it’s making a donation, or exploring volunteering opportunities at the hospice. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps sustain this vital service and supports families in their time of need.
You can find out more about how to support Barnsley Hospice by visiting their website at www.barnsleyhospice.org. Together, we can ensure that the hospice continues to be a source of comfort and care for years to come.
