THE annual Light up a Life appeal has been launched to enable people to celebrate the memory of loved ones.

One thousand bulbs were turned on to start the fundraising campaign at the Teesside Hospice organised event in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough.

Christmas carols were performed by the Tees Valley Youth Choir as people were given the first opportunity to dedicate a star on the tree, as a way of celebrating and remembering the lives of absent friends, family and cherished loved ones this Christmas.

The appeal has a significant meaning to Zoe Warrington this year, as in March 2015, her dad Simon Warrington passed away. He spent the final week of his life at Teesside Hospice and Zoe was the first person to place a dedication on the Light up a Life tree, in memory of her father.

She said: “My family and I are still so grateful to the nurses and doctors who cared for dad. It may have only been a short time spent at Teesside Hospice, but being there enabled our family to surround dad with love when he needed it most.

“Not only do I think the Light up a Life appeal is a way of giving back to the Hospice, it’s also a special way for me to remember and celebrate my Dad’s life, at a time that will be particularly difficult for me.”

The Light up a Life tree will stand in the shopping centre until Sunday, December 20.

The donations received from the campaign will go directly towards helping the Hospice provide specialist care to patients and families when they need it most.