Head of Fundraising and Voluntary Services Caroline Scholz, Fundraising Administrator Hazel Preston and Rev Graeme Harrison with the Book of Remembrance in the Chapel at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
An annual service to remember lost loved ones at Christmas has raised nearly £2,500 to support bereavement care for those who need it.
The Tree of Lights Service took place at the beginning of December at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and included the lighting of candles in remembrance of those who are no longer with us, as well as the opening of a book of remembrance.
The service and associated Tree of Lights Appeal is organised each year by Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Trust’s Chaplaincy Department.
Now in its 10th year, the appeal raised a total of £2,405 which will be spent on providing Visitor Support Packs for visitors of critically ill patients who require comforts without leaving the bedside.
Money will also be spent on enhancing Bereavement Care across the Trust.
Head of Fundraising and Voluntary Services, Caroline Scholz, said: “We are thrilled that once again so much has been raised to benefit Bereavement Services through our Tree of Lights Appeal. This money will be used to help those who find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances while loved ones are critically ill in hospital.
“The event itself in December was very well attended, and we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated as part of the Appeal.”
The money will be spent on buying Comfort Care Packs, which include snacks, drinks and toiletries, to be given to the families of critical patients.
Chaplaincy Team Leader, Rev Graeme Harrison, said: “Christmas can be a very difficult time for people who have experienced loss, whether they are recently bereaved or their loss happened some time ago.
“We are delighted that so many people have supported us in the Appeal, which each year continues to go from strength to strength, allowing us to further support people in their times of need.”
You can find Blue Skies Hospitals Fund on:
www.bfwh.nhs.uk/blueskieshospitalsfund
www.facebook.com/BlueSkiesHospitalsFund
The money raised through the Tree of Lights Appeal will help pay for Visitor Support Packs