The Countess of Chester Hospital is inviting members of the public to dedicate a light to a loved one at the annual Trees of Light ceremony which will also see their names being entered into a Book of Honour.
Memories and celebrations of loved ones will be lighting up the ceremony at the Trust's main entrance from 6pm on Friday 5th December 2014. Anyone who has lost a close friend or relative, whether or not they were patients at the hospital, is invited to take part in the event, as are people who would simply like to celebrate the life of a loved one. There will also be a short lighting ceremony at Ellesmere Port Hospital on Monday 8th December 2014.
The Aldford Choir and the Chester Wind Band will be appearing at this year's event which will feature music, readings, and hot mince pies.
In addition, the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Susan Sellers will be the event's guest of honour and will be switching the lights on. The ceremony will be led by the Trust's Chaplaincy Co-ordinator, Rev John Kingsley.
Fundraising Manager, Janet Ratcliffe, said: "The Trees of Light is such a special appeal and gives people the chance to honour lost loved ones or to celebrate the life of a loved one. The fact that our event takes place near Christmas makes it an even more special occasion as it can be an emotional time for people."
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator, Reverend John Kingsley, said: "The proceeds of the Trees of Light annual appeal are used to improve the care and support to patients and relatives at the time of bereavement. This year we will be continuing to develop our bereavement care with the provision of a counselling service. We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity which has made this work possible through the Trees of Light Appeal."
If you would like to enter an application to have a loved one's name included in the Book of Honour, please contact the Trust's Fundraising department on 01244 366240 or visit the Fundraising Office to complete an application form before Tuesday 26th November. You can also visit www.coch.nhs.uk/fundraising for more information and to download an applications form.
The Aldford Choir
Chester Wind Band
We are pleased to again be supported by the Chester Wind
Band. The Wind band was originally set up in 1989 by Peter McNulty,
former Headteacher of Blacon High School and Edward Milner.
Concerts are given to raise money for local charities and for the
Band to expand their music library. Their repertoire is varied and
all musical tastes are catered for.