Light up a Life raises £147,000 in memory of loved ones

Dougie Mac’s Light up a Life annual fundraising campaign has raised more than £147,000 thanks to the generosity of the local community who remembered their loved ones at Christmas.  

The hugely popular seasonal initiative gave supporters the chance to remember their loved ones by dedicating a light on Dougie Mac’s Christmas tree in exchange for a donation to the hospice. More than 8,650 dedications were made and the Christmas tree lights were officially switched on during a Celebration of Life event at the start of December.

Donna Adams, Head of Community Fundraising at Dougie Mac, said, “Our Light up a Life campaign is always really popular as it’s a special opportunity to remember loved ones who are missed at Christmas, whether they have received care from Dougie Mac or not. This year’s campaign had a fantastic response from our local community and almost 3,500 people made a donation, in memory of their loved ones.

“The campaign has raised a fantastic £147,000, including gift aid, which will make a huge difference and willenable us to continue our care services for local children, young adults and adults facing a life-limiting condition, while offering support to their families. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our Light up a Life campaign this Christmas.”

The pinnacle of Dougie Mac’s Light up a Life campaign was a special Celebration of Life event at the Victoria Hall in December, which was attended by those who had remembered a loved one. The highlight of the afternoon was the moment the Christmas tree lights were switched on for the first time, knowing that each light represented someone special.

Dougie Mac’s Light up a Life will return in September 2025, when the hospice once again invites the whole community to come together and remember their loved ones, not just those who were cared for by Dougie Mac. Full details will be available at www.dougiemac.org.uk/light-up-a-life