East Midlands Airport is once again lighting up its air traffic control tower in support of the Treetops Hospice Light Up A Life appeal.
For the second year, passengers travelling to and from the Castle Donington airport will see the Light Up a Life logo projected onto the iconic 51-meter-high tower.
The annual Treetops Light Up a Life appeal encourages people to remember a loved one by dedicating a light on the hospice Christmas tree.
Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the Light Up A Life appeal and raise awareness of the incredibly important work Treetops does, by putting the charity’s name up in lights on our air traffic control tower.
“This airport serves the region in many ways by connecting people and goods to destinations all over the world. But we also take our role as a local community champion very seriously. Hopefully, our association with this initiative will help raise awareness of Treetops work to provide vital end-of-life care.”
Treetops Chief Executive, Julie Heath, said: “We are very grateful to East Midlands Airport for once again helping us raise awareness of Light Up A Life.
“Light Up a Life is very special to Treetops and the local community. Every year, hundreds of people remember their loved ones by dedicating a light. Proceeds from dedications go towards helping us care for patients and families in the local community."
Fiona Hickey, from Belper, has been dedicating a light in memory of her mum, Natalie, every year since she died of ovarian cancer in 2013. She is sharing her story to encourage others to support the local charity.
“It was always mum’s wish to stay at home, our family home, when the end came. So, between myself, my dad and my daughter, we looked after her. Towards the end, we were struggling because somebody had to be with her throughout the night. We were all exhausted.”
Treetops Hospice at Home nurses came to help care for Natalie at night.
“The Treetops nurse who came to us was like ‘an angel on earth’. She made so much difference. I knew I was leaving mum in capable, safe hands and it just meant we could all relax, have a good night's sleep, and be fresh the next day.
“In the end, mum died at home peacefully and we were all with her. We fulfilled our promise to keep her at home and we couldn’t have done that without Treetops Hospice.
“We do Light Up a Life every year since mum died. I just think it's such a lovely way to include somebody that you've lost in a family celebration at Christmas.
“By dedicating a light, you're remembering that person, and you're also giving something towards helping somebody else.”
For more information and to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, head to www.treetops.org.uk/lights or call the hospice on 0115 949 1264.