Runcorn Linnets are again linking up with one of the football club's favourite charities, which has served our community with such distinction across five decades.
Opened in 1981 as the vision of its founder Dom Valdez, Halton Haven Hospice is almost on our doorstep, in Barnfield Avenue, and we are honoured to again be supporting its poignant annual yuletide commemorations.
Christmas is a time of celebration and sharing but it can also be a difficult time of year if we have lost someone special.
This year's Light Up A Life service takes place at the Hospice on December 1st from 6pm. It is a very special non-denominational service and an opportunity to celebrate and remember the lives of those we have lost.
The service features carols, readings and songs and ends with the switching on of the remembrance lights on the Haven's beautiful Christmas tree.
Halton Haven Hospice is proud to have the support of local community groups, individuals and schools, who come along to provide the music and perform the readings.
This is a very upbeat event and a great favourite in the Hospice's calendar.
The lights on the tree burn brightly until Twelfth Night. Alongside them are glo-sticks brought by young people attending the service.
A limited number of individual Christmas trees, sponsored by companies, individuals and families, also remain lit until Epiphany.
The service is accompanied by an appeal, which allows people to show support in memory of loved ones and to have their names recorded in the Book of Remembrance.
This book is on display in the Hospice reception throughout the year for donors to view and visit as they wish.
Not only are donors comforted by remembering loved ones but they also know that their donations will allow Halton Haven Hospice to continue caring for others during the coming year.
The service is open to everyone, whether they have lost loved ones at the Haven or not.
The evening is one of celebration and before and after the service, refreshments and stalls are available.
A variety of Christmas treats and Christmas gifts are on sale and there is also the opportunity to meet Hospice staff and volunteers.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the Hospice hopes as many as possible will join them at this year's event.
As sponsor of Light Up a Life, our club crest features in advance publicity for the event and we will be repeating last year's collection for the bottle tombola, running alongside the service.
Our supporters are invited to join club officials, staff and players in making donations of bottled drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), perfumes, toiletries etc.
In fact, anything appropriate that comes in a bottle - all we ask is that they are in new, intact and usable condition.
We will be accepting the bottles at our first team home games in Pitching In Northern Premier League West against Leek Town on Tuesday, November 14th and 1874 Northwich on Saturday, November 18th.
We will present these to Halton Haven Hospice ahead of the event.
Josh Christian, Trust Board member (Community) at Runcorn Linnets, said: “I am proud that as a club, we are once again able to support Halton Haven Hospice, such a fantastic local charity.
“Over the last few seasons, we have worked closely with this amazing charity with bottle collections and the unveiling at our ground of a board dedicated to the Haven.
“Having a personal link to the Hospice, through two family members having received the terrific care they offer, I know only too well the value of the services it provides.
“The Haven heavily relies on the backing of the local community and as a community club, we are only too pleased to be able to assist in some way with the support of our club management, staff, players and fans.”
The Hospice provides specialist 24-hour palliative care 365 days a year to people from Halton and surrounding areas, who are living with terminal conditions.
ThIs is delivered completely free of charge at an annual cost of £2 million. The Haven is not part of the NHS, although it receives some funding from it. As a registered charity, it heavily relies on support from the community. Of every 12 patients, seven are cared for thanks to donations so this vital service could not exist without such backing.
You can make a donation on the Hospice website to help it continue with vital free care and support in time of need.
Photo shows:
Halton Haven fundraising manager Eleanor Smith and Josh Christian of Runcorn Linnets after last year's handover of bottle tombola items by the club.
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