DURHAM County Council chairman John Robinson is backing the St Cuthbert’s Hospice 2014 Light Up a Life campaign.

This year’s Christmas remembrance service will be held in Durham Cathedral on Sunday, December 14, at 7pm.

Cllr Robinson and his wife Maxine will join hundreds of people at the poignant event.

The hospice invites people to remember a loved one by making a donation to its work.

All names are entered into the Light up a Life book of remembrance, which is dedicated at the service.

Cllr Robinson said: “The festive period can be incredibly tough for people who are grieving.

“This event, where many people come together to remember their loved ones, does real good in the community while at the same time raising vital funds for what is a very good cause in St Cuthbert’s Hospice.”

St Cuthbert’s Hospice Family Support Team manager and counsellor, Julie Wells said: “I think any public holiday where you believe the rest of the world is having a fabulous time is difficult.

“People are feeling isolated at Christmas and it is no surprise that they want to gather with others who have suffered similar loss.

"Light up a Life is one of the Durham hospice’s biggest annual campaigns and is mirrored by many other hospices."

For more information on how to register visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com