Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice offers chance to remember loved ones in stunning ceremony

Whether it’s paying tribute to those who are no longer with us, or celebrating those who’ve been a light in the darkness this past year, it's the perfect way to help your local children's hospice while remembering someone special.

Each lantern will join many others cast across the water on July 17 at Manver’s Lake, Wath-upon-Dearne. While Bluebell Wood would love supporters to join them there on the night to witness this stunning spectacle, for those who’d rather not attend the ceremony in person, there will be a ‘virtual’ alternative so they can see their dedication floated out onto the lake under the setting sun. You can make a dedication here www.bluebellwood.org/lake.

Every dedication will help Bluebell Wood be there for families like Jayden’s, whose lives have been changed by the care and support at the hospice.

Cheeky and bubbly Jayden, four, has been fighting life and death battles since day one, defying expectations every step of the way. The youngster has a rare, life-shortening condition called Loeys-Dietz syndrome, which means he needs round the clock care.

“Bluebell Wood gives us the chance to be ourselves and enjoy life,” said mum Sarah, from Doncaster.

“He absolutely loves it there. I ask him if he wants to go on holiday to Bluebell and he gets excited and shouts: holiday – Bluebell!

“I know he’s always in safe hands when he’s there. The only time I can truly relax and be myself is when we’re at Bluebell Wood.”

The charity’s Light up the Lake event, where people can dedicate a lantern in return for a small donation to the charity, will take place on Saturday, July 17 in line with the latest government guidance.

Samantha Wood, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “It’s been one of the toughest years we’ve ever faced as a charity from a fundraising perspective, with so many of our events and campaigns cancelled because of the pandemic.

“And we know that the past year’s been incredibly challenging for everyone, with so many unable to be close to family and friends, or say goodbye to loved ones in the way they would have wanted.

“That’s why we’re very excited about our first ever Light up the Lake appeal which will be the perfect way to reflect and remember while celebrating and paying tribute to the special people in our lives.

“So please do join us for what promises to be a breathtaking and moving display as we Light up the Lake under the setting sun. Each and every donation to our appeal will help us be there for families like Jayden’s.”

Everything you need to know about Bluebell Wood’s Light up the Lake appeal can be found here www.bluebellwood.org/lake or by calling 01909 508 103.