VERY special Christ-mas trees are being placed in the three Wyre Forest towns as part of a poignant annual celebration of lives past and a means of raising funds to support services run by Kemp Hospice.

The Tree of Lights gives people the opportunity to remember someone special by lighting up the memory of their life. This could be a dedication of a loved one, a friend or work colleague, or to celebrate one of life's special moments.

Hospice fund-raiser Kate Wilkinson said: “Your support enables us to supply our full range of care services. With your help once again, we aim to provide further help and support for our patients and their families.

“May I take this opportunity to wish you a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you once again for your on going support, it really does make all the difference.”

One family described how much Light up Life means to them: “My mum was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was given six to 12 months to live. She was a very brave lady and never complained.

“The highlight of her week was going to KEMP, she really enjoyed her time there and was very well cared for.

“This Christmas we will be looking at the messages hanging on the Christmas tree, and remembering how lucky we were to have mum in our lives, and really celebrate all that she meant to us.

“Although mum was cared for by KEMP Hospice, Light up a Life is for anyone who has lost a loved one or wants to dedicate a light in celebration of a special occasion or new life.

“My mum will always be a shining light in our hearts.”

Anyone wishing to dedicate a light can pick up a form alongside the trees, at the hospice in Mason Road, at any of the hospice shops or from the management suite at the top of the escalator in the Swan Centre. The form can also be downloaded by visiting www.kem phospice.org.uk Donors receive a tag to be placed on one of the trees and the messages of memory and love will continue to shine throughout the Christmas period.

The name of the person being remembered will also be recorded in Kemp's Book of Dedication, which will be on display at local libraries throughout January 2010.

The Light Up A Life services with carols and readings around the trees, led by the hospital chaplains, will be held at Bewdley Museum on Saturday, December 5, at 2.45pm at Stourport Co-op on Sunday, December 6 at 3pm and in Kidderminster's Swan Centre on Sunday December 13 at 4pm.