It was a night of festive carols and remembering loved ones lost at the annual Derian House Children’s Hospice Christmas concert, Lights of Love, on Friday evening.
Four-year-old Isla Pemberton, from Langho, near Blackburn, who has been visiting Derian House since she was born, was given the honour of pressing the button to illuminate the huge Christmas trees in Blackburn Cathedral during the moving service.
Isla was watched by her proud mum, Rachael Pemberton, who said: “It was such a lovely night. I’m so proud of Isla and how far she has come. She looked so cute as she switched on the Christmas tree – and so confident and grown up. We both really enjoyed the evening – it felt so Christmassy.”
Crowds entered the cathedral to the music of the Salvation Army Blackburn Citadel Band who set the tone for the evening of festive fun.
The service featured live performances from the Rawstorne Singers and Singitbig choir, as well as special readings from hospice staff, volunteers and supporters.
Readings were heard from Graham Liver, BBC Radio Lancashire presenter, as well as Kevin Bowman, a Derian grandparent; Kim Owen, a Director at Derian House; Catherine Randall, Derian House Chief Nurse; Lucy Maxwell, Derian Family Support Worker and Derian House Trustee Andy Chatt.
Guests enjoyed a solo performance from Derian House Family Support Worker Andrea Fontaine-Smith, alongside guitarist Chris Birkett.
The crowd joined in with carols, including a poignant candlelit rendition of Silent Night, and the whole service was translated into sign language to ensure everyone could enjoy the evening.
Karen Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of Derian House, welcomed the crowd as the proceedings began.
She said: “This service marks the start of Christmas for many, and is a chance to look back at what we have achieved this year, as well as looking towards the future. It is also a time to celebrate all the memories we’ve been able to give to our families thanks to the kind donations of our supporters.”
Guests stayed behind for hot drinks and a mince pie after the service, donated by Bowen’s pies of Chorley.
Derian House Children’s Hospice cares for more than 400 babies, children and young people as well as their families. The Chorley-based charity will cost £6million to run this year, and only receives a small percentage of this from funding.
