Pictured: Pippa Langhorne
Britain's Got Talent star Pippa Langhorne will be Lighting Up
Lives this December when she takes part in Birmingham St Mary's
Hospice's moving Festive remembrance ceremony.
The classical singer, who appeared on the hit show with her
lhasa apso puppy Buddy earlier this year, is set to perform at the
charity's annual winter event in which thousands of people remember
the lives of loved ones lost.
Pippa will be accompanied on stage by veteran radio star Ed
Doolan, who will illuminate a tree adorned with lights dedicated to
the memory of folk from across Birmingham, regardless of whether
they were patients at the Hospice.
This year's Light Up a Life takes place on Wednesday, December
14, beginning at 7.15pm.
Pippa explained why it was important to her to perform at the
event, which last year raised around £65,000 for the
Hospice:
"I was first introduced to Birmingham St Mary's Hospice by a
good friend of mine whose mother was looked after by them. He was
amazed by the improvement he saw with his mother and how she was
helped to have a happy life towards the end. That really touched me
and made me see what wonderful support people can get at Birmingham
St Mary's Hospice."
Ed added: "I've been switching on the lights at Light Up a Life
since it began around 13 years ago. It still amazes me, that moment
when the lights go on. Everyone holds their breath and goes silent.
It's very moving. For me it's a real privilege to be involved and I
urge people to dig deep to support this very important local
charity."
This year people participating in Light Up a Life are being
given the chance to purchase a candle to light at a special time on
the night. Those unable to attend but would still like to take part
are urged to put the candle somewhere prominent like a window and
light on the evening of December 14.
People who have registered to attend before Friday, December 2,
will be able to view their loved one's name in the Light Up a Life
Book of Remembrance on the night. Names taken after that date will
be entered into the book by December 23.
In addition to the performance by Pippa Langhorne, there will be
songs and music by Saxophony, the Birmingham Festival Choir and the
Choir of Colmore Junior School. The artists will be joined on stage
by Music in Motion who will be signing the ceremony and songs for
those with hearing difficulties. There will also be warming
refreshments on sale.
People attending will be able to view their loved one's name in
the Light Up a Life Book of Remembrance.
Hospice Chief Executive Tina Swani thanked Pippa and Ed for
helping to make the 2011 Light Up a Life special.
"I've heard Pippa's performances and she is just amazing. She'll
definitely add a new dimension to proceedings this year. I'm
looking forward to welcoming people along on the night and thanking
them for supporting Birmingham St Mary's Hospice as we remember
lost loved ones at this time of family."
In return for taking part the Hospice asks that people make a
small donation of an unset amount. To attend this year's Light Up a
Life ceremony please contact the Hospice on 0121 472 1191 or email:
lightupalife@bsmh.org.uk.