Railway commuters and shoppers are being urged to ‘light up a life’ this Christmas as part of a campaign to help a local children’s charity.
The Zoë’s Place charity has three Christmas trees located across Liverpool, at Lime Street station, Belle Vale shopping centre and St Mary’s Church in West Derby, as part of a national effort by hospices.
The idea is to help remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones by making a donation to sponsor a tree light.
Zoë’s Place is a specialised baby hospice, and is the only one within the UK to look after babies from birth up to age five. They care for children with either life-threatening or life-limiting conditions.
Tessa McGrath, a spokesperson for Zoë’s Place, told JMU Journalism: “All donations made towards the hospice will help keep the doors open.
“We made an appeal in March this year, as we have six beds catering for respite, but during the week we have to close two. All donations are helping us reopen all six beds throughout the week.
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“We currently serve around 55 families, with referrals still being passed through to our hospice team. Therefore the more beds, the more respite we can offer to current and prospective families across the North West and North Wales.”
Donations will also help fund sessions such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, art/music therapy, and light sensory.
Tessa McGrath said: “We need to raise £1.6m a year to allow for the families to access our care. We get approximately £223,000 from NHS England, which isn’t guaranteed and we have to reapply each year. The rest of the funding we are provided is from the kind hearts of our local communities.”
To donate and light up a life call 0151 228 0353 or email [email protected] for more information.