The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway (UHG ) has launched its annual ‘Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light’ 2025. The sale of the lights was officially launched by Tom Kenny from Kenny’s Bookshop in Galway.
A light can be sponsored on the Christmas tree at UHG in memory of a deceased loved one or as a gift to a living one. These lights offer families a chance to remember their loved ones in a special way during the festive season.
The Christmas Tree lights will be switched on by Galway camogie’s All-Ireland champions 2025 on Sunday, 07 December at 4:30pm.
Joan Healy of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee said, “This year’s card was designed by Lorraine Courtney, a member of the nursing staff in UHG, portraying the theme of the card as a lit-up Christmas tree showing light in the darkness, just as the UHG Christmas tree looks when it lights up the front of the hospital in the dark winter hours.
“The Christmas tree symbolises hope, warmth, and togetherness, a gentle reminder that even in the darkest seasons, light continues to shine. It represents the comfort we find in one another and the resilience that carries us through winter’s quiet challenges.
“Every time a light is sponsored, a Christmas card is given to the purchaser, who can send the card to the person they have sponsored the card for to let them know that they are being thought about.
“Alternatively, the card representing the light can be kept as a memory of a loved one who has passed away or sent to their family, letting them know that they are being thought of. Each light costs €5.”
Maura Mannion, Chairperson of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, explained, “Many cards and lights are sent to those who will not be home for Christmas, again letting them know that they are very much in our thoughts.
“We are mindful that Christmas brings memories of times past and those who are no longer with us. Sending a card to the bereaved will let them know that they and their loved ones are remembered.”
The funds raised through the sale of the Christmas tree lights are used to fund and support the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year.
The lights are available for purchase through the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee until 4:00pm on December 7.
If you would like to sponsor a Christmas tree light, please contact Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Anne McKeown on 087 4418 574 or 087 2269606 or email childrens remembrance [email protected]
During the Christmas Card launch at UHG from left, Maria Molloy, Deputy General Manager, UHG, Chris Kane, Hospital Manager, Tom Kenny, Kenny’s Bookshop, Marie Burns, Director of Nursing, UHG, and Lorraine Courtney, Artist.
