THE young daughters of a former Poole hospice patient switched on special tree lights in her memory at a Light Up a Life ceremony.

Nikki Hastings, who became an ambassador for the Lewis-Manning Hospice at Evening Hill, died aged 40 in June after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2008.

Her daughters, Megan, eight, and Leah, nine, switched on the lights in the hospice grounds in memory of their much-missed Mum.

Nikki, who was a day patient at the hospice, was a former Daily Echo blogger, who regularly shared her story at hospice events, including on the BBC’s The One Show earlier in the year.

Initially told she had just months to live, she battled the disease for six years, giving her more time with husband Kevin and her girls.

“We felt extremely privileged that Leah and Megan switched on the Christmas tree lights this year and would like to thank them and their family for helping make it such a special event,” said Paul Tucker, Lewis-Manning’s communications officer.

Light Up a Life is a time of celebration and reflection to remember the life of a loved one by dedicating a light in their memory.

The annual event was attended by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams, with performances from Daisy Lapworth and Sound of Soul choir.