Thanks to the generosity of Derby-based digital visualisation and immersive tech studio Bloc Digital and DL Media, bereaved people from across the city, county and beyond can watch this year’s Treetops Hospice memorial service from the comfort of their own homes.
The Treetops ‘Light Up a Life’ appeal invites people to make a dedication in memory of a family member or friend, to shine as a light on the hospice Christmas tree.
The tree lights are switched on during the virtual service which will be screened on the Treetops You Tube channel at 6pm on Sunday 5 December. The service includes time to reflect and remember loved ones as well as personal stories from those who have received care from the hospice.
Amongst those featured is Aimee Rosso whose mum, Stevie, was cared for by Treetops Hospice at Home nurses at the end of her life in her own home.
During the service, Aimee explains the difference the nurses made: “Having someone at home that is poorly and needs 24-hour care is very, very draining and tiring. Not just physically but mentally as well, because you never get to relax. So having the Treetops nurses step in for a few hours to give us a break and know that we don’t have to worry about anything during that time, was just amazing. It gave us the strength to carry on.
“It was mum that was dying, not us, but the Treetops nurses looked after me and the family and helped us through everything. We wouldn’t have been able to get through it without them being there. They were like our angels. They just took all the difficult stuff away, which as a family we desperately needed.”
Bloc Digital’s Katy Stead, head of content production and development, and videographer Danny Lindsay (DL Media) have been visiting the hospice over several weeks to direct, film, edit and create the service free-of-charge.
Katy explained how much she had been moved during her visits to Risley-based Treetops over the last few months: “We’ve been honoured to be able to share our skills and time to help reflect the comfort, hope and support provided by Treetops Hospice to so many people across our community.
“The sense of providing light in the darkness is something that strikes you when you step into the hospice, and we heard it from so many people who have been helped and supported through difficult times. We hope we’ve been able to capture that and enable as many people as possible to participate in this special moment of memorial and thanks.”
Julie Heath, Treetops Chief Executive, thanked Bloc Digital and DL Media for their generosity: “Light Up a Life is a very special event for us at Treetops. It is an opportunity to take a few moments to remember those who were special in our lives, reflect on happier times, and watch as the lights on our tree shine in their memory.
“We’re very grateful to Danny, Katy and the wider Bloc Digital Team for all their hard work pulling together our virtual service. They have gone above and beyond with their support, providing us with their expertise free of charge and as a result, hundreds of people and families will be able to tune in to watch the service.
“We cannot thank Bloc Digital and DL Media enough for their fantastic support and generosity. We hope as many people as possible can join us on Sunday 5 December.”
Over 450 Light Up a Life dedications have been made online to date. Dedications, including a photo and personal messages, can be made by anyone who wishes to remember a loved one. The online service is available to view from 6pm on Sunday 5 December.
To view the Light Up A Life service, or make a dedication, head to www.treetops.org.uk/lights.
