December is here, the decorations are up and there’s a packed programme of special events in the days leading to Christmas.

This week is Shopper’s Week here at the hospice, when local traders come into our main reception area and set up stalls for five days, giving our patients and their families the opportunity to do a spot of festive shopping. Trading is during the middle part of the day, Monday to Friday. Hope to see you there – and a big thank you to all the local companies who are supporting us this year.

Sunday December 7  is our wonderful Santa Dash, raising money for Trinity and Brian House. Expect to see hundreds of Santas making their way up Blackpool Prom from 11am. It’s a really enjoyable event for all the family, and our celebrity Brian House supporter Dan Whiston is official starter this year. You can sign up this week by contacting our Fundraising team – see you at the Sandcastle for some festive fun!

If you can’t make it to the Dash, remember our Santa Cycle on Sunday December 28. It’s a great way to burn off a few calories after an indulgent Christmas and get a breath of fresh air on a traffic-free Prom.

On Sunday December 14 we welcome visitors for our annual Light up a Light service in the gardens at 4pm. Our beautiful Christmas trees will be officially switched on, each light dedicated in memory of a loved one. It’s always a lovely celebration of life and a meaningful way to start the Christmas season. There’s still time to make a dedication, either online or by contacting our Fundraising team.

Have you bought your Winter Warmer raffle tickets yet?  With a top prize of £3,000  someone is going to have a very happy new year. Our annual prize draws are a very important income stream for the Hospice, with the money raised helping to pay for our compassionate care. The Winter Warmer raffle closes on Friday 16th January.