A TWINKLING tree will bear special memories and messages in place of baubles.

Sobell House Hospice is set to follow a decades-old tradition tomorrow, in which a Christmas tree is adorned with hundreds of tributes to loved ones lost.

Staff will light up the tree in the Headington hospice's garden during the Lights of Love ceremony, where crowds will gather to tie notes onto its branches.

Tim Harrison, clinical lead at the Headington hospice, said: "This tends to be a very moving event with lots of mixed emotions for all of us.

"The event is held to remember those people who have been, and still are, of great importance to us and who won't be with us to share Christmas this year.

"In previous years we've had more than a thousand messages attached to our tree."

The 45-minute event begins at the hospice on the Churchill Hospital site at 3.30pm, with all families welcome – not just those who have been supported at Sobell.

Dr Harrison added: "Lights of Love is a major fundraising event for us.

"It is vital in helping us to continually deliver the care and support our county needs for patients and families living with terminal illness."

Guests at the event will be able to view a 'book of remembrance' collating messages for loved ones lost, and enjoy performances from Steventon Choral Society, Didcot Divas and Jubilee Brass Oxford Band.

Those unable to make the ceremony itself can post messages on Sobell's digital Christmas tree, which has already been inundated by scores of people.

Smiling faces of people lost to illness, both young and old, stare out from the screen alongside touching tributes.

One heartwarming message reads: "We cannot believe it's been nearly a year that you fell asleep forever.

"There isn't a day that goes past that we all don't think about you mum and our greatest wish this time of year would be to hear your beautiful kind loving voice just one more time."

Another states: "Your fight was inspirational and we are so lucky that we were able to bank some amazing memories during your journey.

"Miss you every day but we know that you are now dancing in the sky."

To add a message online and make a donation, visit lightsoflove.org.uk.

Those hoping to attend in person can get a Lights of Love pack by calling 01865 857007 or visiting sobellhouse.org.

HELP us support the great work of Sobell House by joining our mission to fund 100 days of care.

The Oxford Mail wants to generate £40,000 to help those who work tirelessly to comfort some of Oxfordshire’s most poorly patients.

To donate to the campaign please visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/shhc/oxmailsobellappeal