MANORLANDS is offering people the chance to remember a loved one this Christmas.

The Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice is staging a Lights of Love service.

And those attending the December 7 event will be invited to make a donation to the centre, which needs to raise more than £1.6 million every year just to maintain its services.

Everyone who gives a donation will receive a special Lights of Love bauble, on which they can write a personal message before hanging it on their Christmas tree at home.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior fundraiser at Manorlands, said: "Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, but if you have been recently bereaved it can be a very difficult time.

"Memories are forever and they are a precious gift. It is important to take the time to remember the people who have played a vital role in our lives.

" I hope to see as many people as possible joining us on the day to enjoy traditional carols and festive music."

Among those who will be taking part in the 4pm service is Jenny Hird, whose father worked as a volunteer for Manorlands for several years before needing its care himself.

"Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and luckily for us he was able to access the day therapy service at the hospice," she said.

"The care at the hospice is excellent and the environment is so different from a hospital. It's not clinical at all – you almost feel like you're at home.

"Staff are really welcoming and they have time to talk with you to make sure you have all the support you need. Support was there not only for dad, but also for us if we wanted it.

"I think the Lights of Love service is a lovely way to give people time to remember someone special and the precious memories of the time spent together."

E-mail Hayley.ibbotson@sueryder.org or contact Rachel Cunningham on 01535 640448 for further information and to confirm attendance at the service.