A CLINICAL nurse has appealed for people to support a hospice’s appeal to help its patients make lasting memories.

St Helena Hospice, based in Colchester, has asked residents to help its Light up a Life bid which aims to put a smile on people’s faces.

Supporters can dedicate a lantern in memory of a loved one to be displayed in the hospice garden or host a fundraising event to support the charity.

Di Turner, a nurse who has seen more than 30 Christmases during her time at the hospice, has urged people to get involved.

She said: “Christmas can be hard for any of us at any time because we remember people who have died and that can be really challenging for any of us.

“However, when you're facing a life threatening illness, I'm sure it must be even worse, so our aim is to try to bring a bit of a lighter moment to them.

“Patients sometimes worry they're going to be in the way and spoil their family’s Christmas but that isn't what it's about at all.

“As nurses we try to lighten the load and make it more manageable as best we can.”

For more on the appeal, visit www.sthelena.org.uk/lightupalife.