A BRAVE teenager who lost her mum to cancer has helped to launch Bolton Hospice’s annual Light Up A Life remembrance appeal.

Chloe Stott, aged 19, whose mum died in 2008, knows that Christmas can be a difficult time and finds some comfort in the hospice’s lights.

She said: “By dedicating a light to my mum I keep her with me at this time of year.”

Each year, the hospice encourages the people of Bolton to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer here by dedicating a light on one of its trees.

Donations to the appeal are all acknowledged with a personalised commemorative Light Up A Life card and the names of loved ones entered in to the hospice’s book of dedication.

There are commemorative trees in Victoria Square, at Bolton Parish Church and in the hospice grounds.

Two dedication services, which are open to anyone, will be held in December — one at the hospice, at 7pm on Wednesday, December 5, and the other at Bolton Parish Church, on Wednesday, December 12.

Miss Stott was only aged 14 when her mum, Lesley Shawcross, died at the age of 40 — less than 12 months after finding a lump in her breast.

Miss Shawcross, who also left her son, Branagan Stott, now aged 15, and partner, Darren Stott, aged 42, found a lump in August, 2007, and was diagnosed with breast cancer the following month.

Despite treatment the disease spread to her liver and bone, and Miss Shawcross died at the hospice in May, 2008.

Miss Stott, a former Turton College student, of Newland Drive, Over Hulton, has supported the hospice ever since.

She said: “Mum always loved Christmas. It was a special time of year, decorating our tree and celebrating with all the family, and the lights on the Light Up A Life trees always remind me that my mum’s still shining and part of my Christmas.

“The care she received from the hospice makes me proud to be part of this appeal.”

To dedicate a light on a commemorative tree or for more information, call the fundraising department on 01204 663055 or visit boltonhospice.org.uk.