Family’s Christmas Lights to Raise Funds for Hospice
An Ipswich family are once again lighting up their home this Christmas to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, a charity close to their hearts.
From 1st December until 5th January, Julie and Neil Stout will be lighting up their Purdis Farm home in support of the independent Suffolk charity, which cared for both Julie’s parents, Jacqueline and William Sparrow.
The lights will be in tribute to both Jacqueline and William, as well as Julie and Neil’s daughter, Jessica Mai, who sadly died in the early hours of 9th May last year, after giving birth to her second daughter Orla Mai Anne on 7th May.
Julie, said: “All the hospice staff are angels, they made Mum, Dad and our whole family feel more comfortable and assured during a very difficult time for us.
“After seeing the care given to Mum and Dad, Jessica and our whole family became hospice supporters, taking part in many fundraising activities to support the hospice, including the annual hospice Christmas Day Dip and its popular Midnight Walk.
“Christmas has always been a special time for our family and especially Jessica Mai. By organising our fundraising Christmas lights, we are able to continue Jessica Mai’s love for Christmas, while also giving back to the hospice as well, which is very important to us all and we look forward to welcoming all to the launch of our lights on 1st December from 6pm.”
This is the second consecutive year the Stout family have lit up their home over the festive period in aid of the hospice, with funds raised by the Stout family’s Christmas lights this year going towards St Elizabeth Hospice’s Be a Star, Christmas appeal.
On average every Christmas, the hospice provides vital care to more than 1,150 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, for many of whom it will be their last Christmas spent together.
Through Be a Star, the independent Suffolk charity is encouraging the community to support the hospice during this very special time of year and help staff ensure patients and families can have the Christmas they deserve.
St Elizabeth Hospice Community Fundraiser, Brandon Orton, added: “We are extremely grateful to Julie, Neil and their family for choosing to support the hospice once more this Christmas.
“Last year they had a stunning array of Christmas themed lights which brought joy to all and we cannot wait to see their festive lights for this year!
“As a charity, the generosity of local people, like the Stout family, helps the hospice deliver its support to families throughout Suffolk. Put simply without community support, our hospice team would not be able to do what they do. So please ‘Be a Star’ and support your local hospice this Christmas and make a difference.”
To donate towards the Stout family’s Christmas lights, visit www.justgiving.com/page/neil-stout-1668770695216
To view the Stout family’s Christmas lights display visit 16, Mill Road Drive, Purdis Farm.
From purchasing items such as Christmas cards, from St Elizabeth Hospice shops or online store, to taking part fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip or volunteering time to help the hospice as part of a New Year’s resolution.
There are a number of ways to take part in the Be a Star appeal and each one makes a vital contribution to supporting the hospice in making Christmas time a special time for those under its care this year.
Find out how to support the Be a Star appeal by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/be-a-star-appeal or call 01473 723600.
