A MOTHER has sung the praises of Grimsby's St Andrew's Hospice ahead of its annual Light Up A Life ceremony this weekend.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather inside Grimsby Minster at 2pm on Sunday for this year's service.
But before then, the Grimsby Telegraph has once again teamed up with the Peak's Lane hospice to highlight those who benefit from its ongoing care.
For the mother of Scarlett Chessman, 1, having her daughter attend the hospice has meant she can return to work part-time.
Scarlett has a rare genetic syndrome called Macrocephaly-Capillary Malformation – affecting just 200 people in the world.
Her brain has not developed properly, leaving her with multiple complications, such as blindness, global developmental delay and low muscle tone.
Mum Lynsey cannot speak highly enough of the hospice.
She said: "Like many people, when it was suggested we should use the hospice I immediately dismissed the idea, as I believed wrongly that it was a place to go to die. I want to dispel that myth.
"Thanks to help from staff, I have returned to work with the Crown Prosecution Service.
"It has also been good to find support from other families that use the hospice and I have made some good friends.
"Scarlett sleeps a lot but really enjoys using the sensory room, jacuzzi and the massages she receives from the complementary therapists."
As reported, the Light Up A Life campaign is the charity's main annual fundraiser. About 2,000 people got involved last year and helped drum up more than £25,000. This time fundraisers are aiming for £30,000.
The special service on Sunday will allow people to remember lost loved ones.
A Tree Of Light is also currently on display in Grimsby's Top Town market where people can write a lost loved one's name on a card and hang it up. There are also donation buckets available for people to make a contribution.
Jane Whenham-White, head of fundraising and marketing at the hospice, cannot stress just how important the campaign is.
She said: "As well as raising money, the event is a chance for people to stop for a few moments and reflect. It is about celebrating lives, not grieving and anyone is welcome to attend."
Don't miss out. Fill in the form on this page with the name of the person you wish to remember and return it to the hospice in Peaks Lane, Grimsby, by 5pm today. Each name submitted will be added to a list which will be displayed inside the Minster for Sunday's service at 2pm.
More fundraising for St Andrew's – Page 16
