Michaela Armstrong and daughters Sam and Summer to switch on the Light up a Life lights for Wirral Hospice St John’s

On Sun 7 Dec, Wirral Hospice St John’s will welcome people from our Wirral community, alongside family and friends, into the hospice grounds for the annual Light up a Life switch-on service and commemorations.

Michaela was interviewed live on BBC Radio Merseyside on Tue 25 Nov 2025.
If you scroll to 2hrs 52mins and 24secs you can listen to the interview on BBC Sounds until 24 Dec 2025
LISTEN HERE

People will start arriving from around 4pm to browse fundraising stalls, have some tea, coffee, cake and other refreshments, and to find a position in readiness for the switch on service at 5.30pm.

This year, Michaela Armstrong, alongside daughters Sam and Summer and other family members, will switch on the 10,000 sparkling lights which will then shine radiantly in the trees at the hospice every evening in the run up to, and throughout, Christmas time.

The family will dedicate the switch-on to the memory of Michaela’s husband, Kev, who was cared for at the hospice in 2022.

Michaela spoke on behalf of the whole family and Kev’s many friends,

Kev tucking into a roast dinner at the hospice

“Throughout Kev’s journey with his illness our mantra was love, hope and positivity.

Kev’s time at the hospice was certainly filled with all of these things and I know he was, as I am, so appreciative of the care and support of all the staff and volunteers. 

He really was the life and soul of any party and on the evening we’ll fondly remember his ability to light up any room.

Our thoughts will always be for our beloved Kev and also with everyone who will be remembering their own missed loved ones through Light up a Life.

We feel so honoured to have been asked.”

Many individuals and families support Light up a Life by sponsoring a light in memory of family, friends and colleagues. All donations help to fund the hospice’s specialist medical, nursing and family care services.

A Light up a Life card, with a personalised greeting, is also sent out to all who request one with their lights sponsorship, and there is also an opportunity to buy an attractive tree decoration keepsake inscribed with the words, Light up a Life.

People also take a little time with their own personal thoughts as they visit specially produced books of honour containing the names of their loved ones who are no longer with us. All the names of those loved ones being remembered are also available to view online.

Local businesses are also invited to support Light up Life, for a kind donation, which usually ranges from £50 up to £500, and each will be credited in the evening’s event programme and in a separate business book of honour.

The hospice choir and the Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band will combine to bring supporters reflective songs and carols, along with heartfelt readings from the hospice team.

Julia Evans, the hospice’s fundraising manager said,

“The love of our whole Wirral community will shine out as people come together for our annual Light up a Life switch-on service.

We are so grateful to Michaela, Sam and Summer for agreeing to switch on our lights in memory of Kev and helping us to bring people together to remember our loved ones and reflect the loss we all feel, especially at this time of year.

So many people take so much comfort from the lights and it’s our privilege to welcome them all and thank them all for their kind sponsorship. They help the hospice to make a real difference in the care of our patients and their families.“

Michaela and Kev’s family story can be read at www.wirralhospice.org/michaelaarmstrong

—

To sponsor a light for Light up a Life please call 0151 343 0778 or visit www.wirralhospice.org/lightupalife to make a donation online

—

Wirral Hospice St John’s will also be holding a pre-Light up a Life church service at St James’ Church, New Brighton, on Tue 2 Dec, at 7pm.

The church service will be a quiet service of remembrance led by Reverend Heather Atkinson. All are welcome to attend. Following the service there will be hot drinks, mince pies and Christmas Cards available. Parking is available locally surrounding the church.