THE festive season can be both a joyful time and emotional time as residents remember those who are no longer with us.

Residents are invited to remember their loved ones by dedicating a light on the St David’s Hospice and Rhos on Sea Rotary Tree of Lights.

Now in its 23rd year, the Tree of Lights has become a special part of the run up to Christmas and acts as an opportunity to celebrate or commemorate the lives of loved ones or to mark a special occasion or other meaningful event whilst supporting a very worthy cause.

Cliff Large, Rhos on Sea Rotary Club President, said: "We are living in uncertain times through this pandemic, but we have decided this year that we will hold our usual ceremony on the Cayley Promenade. Should we be forced to make any change, details will be announced as soon as we can.

"We will not let Covid-19 stop us supporting St David’s Hospice. The opportunity to remember our loved ones is so very important and dedicating a light is a lovely way to do this during Christmas time commemorating those no longer with us.

Tree of Lights form 2021

Tree of Lights form 2021 that residents can fill in.

“Every penny donated will go to the hospice supporting the vital work they do for all communities right throughout North West Wales. They have been unable to hold many fundraising activities because of so many restrictions and need our support as much as ever.

"Despite this situation, we will certainly see our Rotary Tree of Lights shine proudly on the Cayley Promenade once more this year with special meaning for all.”

People can give a donation of their choice to the hospice as part of the event.

Last Christmas, the tree was adorned with new LED lights and in 2021 they will shine brighter than ever. This has been made due to generous sponsorship off the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm and also support from the Conwy Voluntary Services Council, Dŵr Cymru and Bay of Colwyn Town Council.

The lights will be illuminated during the ‘switching on’ ceremony that takes place on 4.30pm on November, Sunday, 28. The tree will remain lit throughout December.

For each dedication, a Tree of Lights card will be sent out by post and loved ones’ name will be entered into the ‘Book of Lights'’, which will be available to view online throughout 2022.

To dedicate a light on the Tree of Lights this year visit: https://stdavidshospice.org.uk/donations/tree-of-lights email Rhian.jacobs@stdavidshospice.org.uk or call the Hospice Fundraising Team on 01492 873664.

Residents can also save and print the form featured in this article then post back the completed form with their donation to the hospice.

The costs of running the hospice this year will be more than £5 million, only nine per cent of that comes from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

This leaves £4.5 million to be raised annually through voluntary means such as the Tree of Lights.

A spokesperson from St David's Hospice said: "The response to this annual appeal over the years has been overwhelming. Since it started in 1999, over £331,000 has been donated to the adult hospice with £42,000 raised in 2020 alone."

St David’s Hospice provides hospice care to adult patients across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey.

The charity delivers free, high-quality, specialist palliative care to patients with life limiting illnesses, their family and carers.