ROWCROFT Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal is marking its 20th anniversary.

Light up a Life began in 1995 and has generated almost £500,000 for Rowcroft Hospice over the last 20 years.

The appeal invites all who are missing loved ones at Christmas time to celebrate special memories in a number of ways: by attending a Light up a Life celebration; by dedicating a light on Rowcroft’s Tree of Light; or remembering someone in the Books of Light, a collection of beautiful remembrance books that are displayed throughout the year at a number of South Devon venues.

The appeal has inspired thousands across South Devon to donate towards the charity that provides vital care for local people facing life-limiting illnesses.

Rowcroft’s Light up a Life coordinator Daniela Hopkins explained: ‘This year we aim to raise in excess of £45,000 through the appeal, enough to pay for 300 home visits by our Hospice at Home nurses, enabling local families to stay together in their own homes.

‘To mark the occasion we are giving supporters the opportunity to set up a regular donation to the hospice, helping them to become a part of our future.’

Hospice staff are hoping this year will be the biggest yet and are inviting the South Devon community to get involved by remembering a loved one and making a donation to the appeal.

Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit Manager Sue Harvey added: ‘Over the last 20 years our Light up a Life appeal has helped thousands of people to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

‘This year we hope to raise awareness of the campaign and give more local people an opportunity to remember those special to them, while helping to raise incredibly vital funds.’

Teresa Butto, a Light up a Life supporter for the past eight years, said: ‘I always dedicate a light on Rowcroft’s Tree of Light in memory of my parents.

‘It’s a lovely way to remember them and I like to support Rowcroft as I know that the funds raised by Light up a Life help them to support local families when they need it the most.’

This year people across South Devon are invited to attend eight special Light up a Life celebrations taking place throughout December, including at the Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas of Canterbury in Bovey Tracey at 7.30pm on 3 December, St Michael’s Church in Teignmouth at 3pm on 5 December, and Avenue Methodist Church in Newton Abbot at 6.30pm on 8 December.

For more information about how to make a dedication and donation and for a full list of Light up a Life celebration venues please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/light.