A WOMAN who lost both parents to cancer just 15 months apart is urging people to join her in supporting a charity event to remember lost loved ones this Christmas.

Tiff Watson has praised the care her parents Sylvia and Tony Birch received at Forest Holme Hospice. 

Now she is encouraging people to support Forest Holme’s annual memorial services, Light Up a Life.

Tiff said: “The care given by Forest Holme Hospice is like being wrapped up in cotton wool, a supportive hug.

“I will never be able to repay how beautifully my parents were cared for, but supporting Forest Holme is my small way of giving back.”

Each Christmas, the charity holds two memorial Light Up a Life services to give the community the opportunity to gather together to remember loved ones.

This year’s services take place on Thursday, November 30 at 6.30pm and Sunday, December 10 at 10.30am at Harbour View in Lytchett Minster.

The services will also mark the launch of the Forest Holme Tree of Remembrance, located in The Dolphin, Poole.

Tiff will write a dedication on a star in memory of her parents and place it on the Christmas tree which will be open daily from 10am to 3pm from Friday, December 1, until Friday, December 15.

Members of the public will be able to visit the tree and make their dedications.

Those who are unable to attend the Light up a Life events can leave a dedication online and this will be added to the Tree of Remembrance.

Hannah O’Hare, chief executive of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for those who have lost a loved one and our memorial services offer the community some respite, comfort, and support as we celebrate together the lives of those who are no longer with us. The services are not restricted to those cared for by Forest Holme. “

Kirsty Perks, corporate and community fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “This festive season, we are looking forward to seeing our Tree of Remembrance light up with the memories and dedications from visitors including Tiff, both familiar and new, in honour of their lost loved ones.”