St Columba’s Hospice will be lighting up its Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens on Monday. The lights on the Tree of Remembrance symbolise dedications which have been made in memory of people who have died, making the Tree of Remembrance special to the many people who have made dedications for the Tree.
St Columba’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support for patients and families from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, looking after over 1,100 patients each year. The Hospice is a charity and relies on the generosity of the public to stay open and be able to provide its services.
The Tree of Remembrance lighting ceremony draws thousands of people and this year the Charlotte Square Gardens will open at 5.30pm to spectators, with refreshments available courtesy of Starbucks. The ceremony will begin at 6.30pm with Sir Tom Farmer making a short speech, followed by a speech from Becky Chaddock, the Hospice’s head of supportive care.
The lights on the Tree of Remembrance will be switched on by 12 year old Megan Reid, whose grandfather and great-grandmother both died at the Hospice.
Anyone is welcome to visit the Gardens for the service. Dedications and donations can be made throughout December for the Tree of Remembrance, and can be made online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk/lightupalife or by calling 0131 551 1381.
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