Mountbatten’s annual Light up a Life campaign has launched this week and Islanders are being urged to take time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died by making a donation to dedicate a light in memory of someone who will not be with them this Christmas.

Light up a Life is for everybody – not only for patients and families supported by Mountbatten. All are welcome to dedicate a light on Mountbatten’s Remembrance Tree and attend a special Light up a Life service at 4pm on Sunday 1 December at Mountbatten Hospice.

Around 400 people attend the outdoor service where carols are sung, readings are shared, and prayers are said. After the service, people gather in the John Cheverton Centre to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. There is also the opportunity to view the Book of Remembrance and to write a personal message and add it to a dedication tree inside the building.

Among those attending last year's event were Charlotte Humphrey and her daughters Maisy, 9, and Tilly, 6, from Ryde, who were remembering their Nanny. Charlotte said: “Attending the Light up a Life service at Mountbatten gave my family a time to come together and remember my Mum, Shirley Batchelor. It was a beautiful, touching service, which my children were able to be part of. Being able to dedicate a light on the tree to their Nanny and writing a message on the tree for her in the John Cheverton Centre, where my mum received fantastic support, was lovely.”

Due to the popularity of the event, this year there will be a free park and ride service from Seaclose Recreation Ground (PO30 2QS) to Mountbatten Hospice between 3pm – 6pm. Spaces are limited so be prepared to find alternative parking, if required. Only disabled parking will be allowed in the Hospice car park.

If you are not able to attend the service, you can still take part by making a donation to dedicate a light in memory of your loved one this Christmas. Throughout December, the Book of Remembrance will continue to be updated with the names of those being remembered, and all are welcome to add their own message to the dedication tree in the John Cheverton Centre.

Last year, over £18,000 was raised to support Mountbatten’s work in caring for Islanders facing death, dying and bereavement.

 You can dedicate a light:

• Online
• Over the phone (01983) 217300.
• By post by completing a form and sending it to Mountbatten’s fundraising department. The forms come with a freepost envelope so you can return it to free of charge.
• In person by visiting Mountbatten’s fundraising office.

Forms will be available at both receptions at Mountbatten Hospice, from the fundraising office and from all Mountbatten shops.

Other Light up a Life services are being held throughout December in churches and venues across the Island (please see below list for details), including a Carol Service being held at All Saints' Church, Ryde at 6:30pm on Wednesday 18 December. 

Most Light up a Life services offer the opportunity to add a written dedication to the tree at the church or venue in which they take place. You’ll also be able to make a donation or contribute to a collection in aid of Mountbatten’s work.

Speaking about the support Mountbatten receives for these events Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley said:

‘We are, as always, incredibly grateful to our community for giving Islanders the opportunity to come together and remember those who have died. If you are missing someone this Christmas, Light up a Life offers a way to remember them and show that just because someone is gone, they are not forgotten. We hope many of you will join us at any of these events to remember our loved ones together.’ 

Light up a Life Services	Location	Date	Time
Arreton	St George's Church	12-Dec	6:30pm
Bembridge	Lane End Court* (lantern parade) Holy Trinity CoE (service)	07-Dec	5pm, Lane End Court
Brading	St Mary's the Virgin Church	14-Dec	6pm
Brighstone	St Mary's Church – Brighstone Tree Festival	04-Dec	7pm
Cowes	Cowes Methodist Church	05-Dec	6:30pm
Freshwater	St Agnes Church	08-Dec	6pm
Lake*	Thearles Green	14-Dec	12pm
Newchurch	All Saints Church Hall	05-Dec	6:30pm
Newport*	Mountbatten Hospice	01-Dec	4pm
Rookley*	Rookley Green	09-Dec	6:30pm
Ryde - Carol service	All Saints Church	18-Dec	6:30pm
Seaview	St Peter's Church	07-Dec	7pm
Shanklin	Shanklin URC	06-Dec	7pm
St Helens	The Vine Inn	01-Dec	7pm
Ventnor	St Catherine's Church	11-Dec	tbc - see website for details
Wootton	The Cedars Pub	05-Dec	6:30pm
Whippingham	Isle of Wight Crematorium	13-Dec	7pm
Yarmouth*	Carols in The Square	07-Dec	6pm

 

*please note this is an outdoor service so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wrap up warmly.