East Lancashire Hospice is inviting the community to come together for its annual Light up a Life celebration, an evening dedicated to remembering loved ones.
The event will take place on Sunday, 14th December 2025, between 4:00pm – 5:30pm, in the Hospice gardens, Park Lee Road, Blackburn, BB2 3NY; no booking is required, and all are welcome to attend.
The evening will include reflective readings and live music, all underneath the lights of the hospice gardens. Refreshments will also be available for purchase, and attendees are advised to wrap up warm as the event will be held outside.
Attending Light up a Life offers a chance to pause during the festive season, especially as Christmastime can be a challenging period for those experiencing grief. It’s also a space to meet others who understand what you may be going through. Members of the Hospice’s Bereavement Counselling team will also be there on the night to offer support.
Supporters are invited to make a dedication to the Hospice’s online Book of Remembrance, ahead of the Light Up a Life event, where tributes to loved ones will be displayed from 12th December. Each dedication helps fund specialist Hospice care across Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.
This year’s event holds a particularly special meaning, as the Hospice will also be honouring Liz Hollis, a much-loved colleague, friend, and patient whose compassion, humour, and dedication touched the lives of countless people across East Lancashire Hospice.
Liz Hollis was a deeply valued member of the East Lancashire Hospice team who died in October 2024. Her connection to the Hospice began long before her employment. Her sister was cared for on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit at the age of 26, an experience that shaped Liz’s desire to one day give back. In 2011, she joined the team, bringing with her a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and humour.
Liz worked across the Hospice at Home team, the Inpatient Unit, and later became Team Leader of CaST (Creative and Support Therapies), a service that supports patients and families through creativity, art, music, crafts and holistic therapies. Her joyful presence, caring nature, and ability to bring comfort through laughter made her unforgettable.
In 2023, Liz was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite facing her illness with immense courage and positivity, the cancer returned in 2024. When the time came, Liz chose to be cared for on the Inpatient Unit, surrounded by the colleagues she loved and trusted. Her final days were filled with dignity, peace, and the same warmth she spent her life giving to others.
Liz’s husband, Mick Hollis, hopes that by sharing Liz’s story, others will feel comforted, inspired, and connected:
“We can never bring you back, but your memory will take us back. You were my whole life, now you’re the hole in my life. Your grace has allowed us to grieve, knowing you were at peace with your passing.”
To make your tribute, please visit: https://eastlancshospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life2025?cat=855773
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