Foyle Hospice’s annual Lights of Love Appeal lit up the night on December 18 as hundreds gathered on the Hospice grounds for the much-loved Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The event brought together families, friends, staff, volunteers and supporters to remember loved ones during the festive season.

This year, Grainne Maguire and daughter Aoibheann, switched on the Christmas tree lights in memory of their beloved parents and grandparents, James (Seamus) Blee and Marie (née Gilroy).

The pair were also joined by Grainne’s husband, Ciaran and Brother, Michael. The poignant service, led by Rev Peter Morris and Rev Canon David McBeth offered personal reflection, serving as a reminder of the importance of remembering loved ones while supporting the compassionate work of Foyle Hospice.

Michelle Kosky, Healing Hearts, Foyle Hospice, Michael Blee, Grainne Maguire, Aoibheann Maguire, Ciaran Maguire, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sinn Fein Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Donall Henderson, Chief Executive, Foyle Hospice, & Annmarie Casey, Nursing Director, Foyle Hospice, pictured during the Foyle Hospice Lights of Love Annual Ceremony.

placeholder image — Michelle Kosky, Healing Hearts, Foyle Hospice, Michael Blee, Grainne Maguire, Aoibheann Maguire, Ciaran Maguire, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sinn Fein Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Donall Henderson, Chief Executive, Foyle Hospice, & Annmarie Casey, Nursing Director, Foyle Hospice, pictured during the Foyle Hospice Lights of Love Annual Ceremony.

Guests listened to beautiful singing by Isobel Caldwell and Erin Carlin along with North West Cancer Centre Choir, supported by The Hive Choir.

Earlier this year, Grainne shared her family’s deeply personal journey with Foyle Hospice, reflecting on the care and compassion her parents received.

She spoke of the heartbreak of losing both parents within a short space of time, but also the incredible support, comfort, and dignity they found at Foyle Hospice.

Chief Executive, Foyle Hospice, Donall Henderson reflected on the evening saying: “Our annual Lights of Love event holds a very special place for all of us at Foyle Hospice.

The Maguire family who switched on the Foyle Hospice Lights of Love.

"It is a very important way to mark the lead up to Christmas and to remember those many people who have used our services - not just during this year, but over the last forty years.

“It is also a special occasion for our staff and volunteers who also see it as an opportunity to reflect on those patients they have cared for and reunite with some of the families they have supported. Of course, there are some of our staff who remember their own loved ones, as many of our colleagues have been bereaved during the year and we can take this time to acknowledge that too.”

Members of the public can still take part in the Lights of Love Appeal by sponsoring a light on the Virtual Hospice Christmas Tree by visiting: www.visufund.com/foyle-hospice-lights-of-love or by visiting the Fundraising Centre on 61 Culmore Road.