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Treetops Hospice Care is inviting people to sponsor a light on their Christmas tree to shine in memory of someone special throughout the festive period.

The lights will be switched on during a special Light up a Life ceremony at the hospice on Sunday 1 December at 4pm. Treetops, based in Risley, provide nursing care and emotional support for adults in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire including Hospice at Home nurses who provide for patients in their own home.

At a time when nothing made sense and everything seemed a battle, the Treetops Hospice at Home nurses were literally like a light in the darkness

Light Up a Life treeAmongst those supporting this year’s Light Up a Life appeal is Carli Lakin and her family. Carli’s mum, Julie, was supported by Treetops nurses and Carli explained how much difference this made: “It was my mum’s wish to stay at home and receive palliative care and we so wanted to honour her last wish. “As a family we had no experience of caring, especially in a home setting and we were often left feeling stranded not knowing what to do for the best or where to turn for help, something no family should have to deal with when caring for a loved one. “At a time when nothing made sense and everything seemed a battle, the Treetops Hospice at Home nurses were literally like a light in the darkness. We no longer felt like we were fumbling about alone. We had support and advice that was exactly what we needed.

They enabled us to care for my mum in her last few weeks at home

“From the very first phone call and meeting, we knew that we had found the help and advice we desperately needed as a family. Not only did they advise and give emotional support, they gave compassionate care to my mum and gave my dad the chance to have some respite from being my mum’s main carer. It was so nice to have people to help us who understood the system and the way palliative care at home works. “As a family we will forever be grateful and thankful for the Treetops nurses. They enabled us to care for my mum in her last few weeks at home, where she wanted to be, and she passed away peacefully with dignity.” Light Up a Life Dedications can be made by anyone who wishes to remember a loved one and those making a dedication do not have attend the Light Up a Life service. Light up a Life dedications can be made online here. Light Up a Life treeThe ceremony will include music, carols, readings and prayers and refreshments will be available from 3pm. Dedications will be on display in a Book of Remembrance. The ceremony is an outdoor event so those attending are advised to dress for the weather. For those unable to attend Light up a Life, the Book of Remembrance will be available to view online. Treetops services include Support and Information, Wellbeing Space, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.