A WINSFORD woman who lost her mum to breast cancer is encouraging others to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away this Christmas.

St Luke’s Hospice has launched its annual Light up a Life campaign, which gives people the opportunity to dedicate a poignant memorial light on the tree at its home in Winsford.

The lights will shine throughout the festive period until the Twelfth Night (January 5).

This year, Rosie Leach will shine a light in memory of her mum Pat, who was admitted into St Luke’s in 2012.

Rosie said: “Christmas was mum’s favourite time of year and she was determined to see Christmas Day.

“So when she decided she wanted to spend the last few days of her life at home surrounded by her family. St Luke’s helped us to do this.”

Pat lost her battle with cancer on December 27, but Rosie says she is thankful she was able to die at home with her family by her side.

“Without a doubt the care St Luke’s gave her enabled this to happen,” Rosie said. “It would have been a different story for us if St Luke’s hadn’t been there.

“The hospice gave us time with mum that I will also way treasure. We will continue to support St Luke’s so that families like ours can receive care and support when they need it most.

“I am honoured to be supporting this year’s Light up a Life, please join me by giving a donation to St Luke’s so we can help other families like mine this Christmas.”

The hospice will stage two special Light up a Life services, which are open to everyone who is dedicating a light and remembering someone special.

The first will take place at the Hospice in Winsford on Sunday, November 29 at 4.30pm, with a second event being staged in Market Square, Crewe, at 5.30pm on Sunday, December 3.

Wendy Field, matron and director of Care at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “Light up a Life is a wonderful way for our local community to remember their loved ones.

“Whether they have been supported by the Hospice or not their memory can still be honoured, and it helps to raise vital funds which will enable us to care for local families this Christmas and beyond.”

For more information about Light up a Life call 01606 555684 or visit stlukes-hospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life