THE children of a Poole woman who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year will be switching on the Christmas lights at a charity event next week.

Nikki Hastings, who died aged just 40 in June after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2008, will be remembered by her daughters, Leah, nine, and Megan, eight, during Lewis-Manning Hospice’s Light Up a Life event on Friday, November 28.

The former Daily Echo blogger and patient of the hospice, based in Lilliput, became a great ambassador for Lewis-Manning by regularly sharing her story at events and in the media, including appearing on BBC’s The One Show.

Paul Tucker, communications officer, said: “The evening is a time of celebration and reflection to remember the life of a loved one by dedicating a light in their memory.

“Our tree has been kindly donated by Continental Landscapes and will be illuminated during the service, not just as a special way to remember loved ones but also as a symbol of our hopes.

“The event is open to everyone, not just those whose loved ones were cared for at the hospice.”

In addition to the lighting of the tree, which will take place in the hospice’s grounds on Crichel Mount Road from 7pm, there will be an optional candlelit walk from Sandbanks Beach Cafe from 6pm leading up to the event.

Candles and lanterns will be provided to those wishing to take part in return for a small donation to the good cause.

For more information on the Light Up a Life event and to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, go to Lewis-manning.co.uk or contact Lewis-Manning Hospice on 01202 701000.