Hundreds Brave Arctic Conditions to Remember Loved Ones
Dec 11, 2010
Freezing winter weather failed to deter hundreds of relatives who braved the elements tonight (Thursday, Dec 9) to remember loved ones at a special ceremony at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
The hospice’s thirteenth annual Tree of Light ceremony took place amid plummeting temperatures in the grounds of the Selly Park-based charity, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Birmingham and Sandwell. Organisers estimated between 900 and 1,000 people attended.
Friends and relatives of those who have passed away began queuing from 6.30pm to view their dedications in the 2010 book of remembrance. This year more than 4,810 people have entered a name or message in the book and dedicated a light on the tree.
The moving event, which featured uplifting carols performed by children from Colmore Junior School and Birmingham Festival Choral Society, is a major fundraiser for the hospice and this year is on course to bring in excess of £60,000.
At 8pm, BBC WM presenter Ed Doolan led the main act of remembrance with a minute’s silence before flicking the switch on the Tree of Light, which will remain illuminated throughout the Festive period until Twelfth Night on January 5.
Speaking after the ceremony he said: “This is a wonderful event that has become a Christmas tradition in Birmingham and I look forward to being a part of it each year. It was great to see so many people come out on this bitterly cold night to remember loved ones who are sadly no longer with us. It’s incredibly moving.”
Hospice Head of Fundraising Caroline Taylor said the Tree of Light ceremony was a particularly poignant moment in the charity’s calendar.
“The event has become a real institution in Birmingham over the past few years and this year was no exception. We never fail to be moved by the messages of love from those who attend.
“We hope all who came were able to find comfort in this act of remembrance but also be uplifted by the carols and lights switch. We’re grateful to everyone who supported the event this year, even if they weren’t able to attend last night,” she said.
People who missed this year’s ceremony are still able to make a dedication in the book of remembrance and can do so by contacting the hospice on 0121 472 1191.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice Tree of Light ceremony was one of hundreds taking place up and down the country as part of national hospice movement Help the Hospices’ festive Light Up a Life winter memorial campaign.
Since its launch in 1979, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has cared for tens of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and MS.
With around 52 percent of the Hospice’s budget reliant on public goodwill, community fundraising is crucial to ensuring its highly specialised services can continue to be offered to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell.
In addition to a 25-bed Inpatient Unit, Birmingham St Mary’s boasts a 20-place Day Hospice and provides community care to people who wish to stay in their own homes.
The Hospice also supports relatives with bereavement preparation, physiotherapy tuition and counselling in addition to many other services.
Annual running costs stand at £6.3 million, with around £1 million being raised in the Hospice’s shops and £2.7 million via fundraising. The remainder comes from the NHS.
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