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Light and lots of memories for youngsters

Simon Thacker
7/12/2006

THE children of a brave cancer patient who died earlier this year were invited to fill St Paul's Church, Accrington, with light this week in memory of their father.

James Catlow, of Wordsworth Close, Oswaldtwistle, was admitted to the East Lancashire Hospice in April where he spent the last month of his life.

St Paul's Church held a Festival of Light to raise money for the hospice by getting people to sponsor a Christmas light in memory of a loved one.

And on the night Mr Catlow's children Sebastian, 11, Sasha, 10, and Amber, nine were asked to turn the lights on in tribute to him watched by their mum Susan.

Harry Grayson, of the East Lancashire Hospice, said: "I spoke to them after they had taken part and I know they got a lot out of being there.

"We often ask people who have been involved with the hospice in one way or another to join in and they were able to do so in memory of their dad."

The event, which included performances from the choirs of St Christopher's High School, Accrington, and Benjamin Hargreaves Primary School, Accrington, made more than £300 for the hospice.

Event spokesman Kathleen Jones said: "This was the first time the event has been held in Accrington as they have been in Blackburn and Clitheroe in previous years and it was very successful."