PEOPLE are being invited to dedicate a star in a virtual night sky to remember a loved one over the festive season.

Participants in the Light up a Life initiative are also being asked to make a donation to St Margaret's Hospice.

Dedications made before Friday, November 25, will see the loved one's name on the hospice’s online service, which is streamed through the website in December.

Cash raised this year by the Light up a Life appeal will help with the rising costs of fuel, ensuring St Margaret's doctors and nurses can continue to support patients.

For example, a donation of £75 could pay for a tank of fuel that can help keep the charity's community nurses on the road so they can give patients and families the expert care they deserve.

Last year hundreds of families dedicated a star in memory of a loved one and one of those stars was in memory of John.

John was cared for at home by St Margaret’s specialist community nurses during his final weeks and his widow, Jan, is encouraging others to donate to this year’s campaign.

“When you’re told that someone you love has cancer, you feel like you’re floating around. You just can’t get your head together,” said Jan.

"But St Margaret’s really helped put us back together.

"It’s like they put their arms around you and wrap you up in a blanket.

“Last year I donated to Light up a Life with St Margaret’s, and it was lovely to be able to do that.

"I feel like it’s giving a tiny gift back to help other people going through what we went through.

"It’s also a nice way to remember John, even though I feel like he’s always here with me.

"I’d encourage people across Somerset to dedicate a star in memory of their loved ones and give a donation to St Margaret’s. It really does make a big difference.”

For more details on dedicating a star, donating to the campaign of the online service in December, visit the St Margaret’s website.

St Margaret’s supports around 5,000 patients across Somerset every year.

Last year the hospice community team supported 2,115 patients at home.