Festive events in store at Countess of Chester hospital

Dec 3 2008 by Lois York, Flintshire Chronicle

THE Countess of Chester Hospital has a busy Christmas this year with two festive events taking place within three days.

Firstly, memories of loved ones will be lighting up a special tree at the Trees of Light ceremony – which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Names are being invited to dedicate a light and will be included in a commemorative Book of Honour to be produced at a switch-on celebration event from 6pm on Friday at the hospital’s main entrance area.

Anyone who has lost a close friend or relative, whether or not they were patients at the hospital, is invited to take part in the event.

Chester Male Voice Choir and The Very Rev Professor Gordon McPhate will be appearing at this year’s event as part of an evening of music, readings, hot mince pies and refreshments. The ceremony will be led by the trust’s chaplaincy co-ordinator, Rev John Kingsley.

Fundraising manager Kate Taylor said: “The Trees of Lights is such a special appeal and gives people the chance to honour lost loved ones. The fact that our event takes place near Christmas makes it an even more special occasion as it can be an emotional time for people.”

Then on Sunday, the 5km Santa Stroll takes place. Those who register for the event will receive a Santa suit for the event itself and refreshments on the actual day.

Kate Taylor added: “The Santa Stroll is the first official fundraising event to mark the launch of Relative Comfort so it would be fantastic to get as many people signed up as possible. The event is perfect for people of all ages, particularly families as the children will receive reindeer antlers while the grown ups dress up in Santa suits. It’s a great opportunity to get in the festive spirit and should be the perfect event to launch our new appeal.”

Proceeds from both events will go towards Relative Comfort, the new £500k fundraising appeal which will offer accommodation, lounge areas and counselling rooms for relatives and loved ones of critically ill patients.

Places for both events are limited so please contact the Trust’s Fundraising team on 01244 366 240.