NORTH HERTS: A 'Tree of Light' has been created at Lister Hospital in Stevenage to remember loved ones and thank NHS staff.

North Herts' main hospital for patients from Hitchin and surrounding areas will have seen many in our region use its services over the years.

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity has created a Tree of Light for people to pay tribute to a loved one, to say thank you for care received or even to celebrate something special – with a switch-on ceremony taking place at the hospital on Monday.

Due to the pandemic, members of the community will not be able to attend the special event, but will be able to watch the Christmas tree lights be switched on at home with the 6pm ceremony broadcast live on the charity's Facebook page.

The Tree of Light will stand at the front of the Lister and shine until the New Year.

Dedications will also be displayed on the window at the main entrance to the hospital and on the charity's website.

One of the lights on the tree has been dedicated to Marilyn Goodhew, a dedicated senior health play specialist from Baldock, who worked at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust which runs the Lister for more than 25 years and sadly passed away in July.

Marilyn was hugely popular with young patients and parents, and a passionate fundraiser.

She was the driving force behind the charity's Magic of Play Appeal, a major fundraising campaign to build a state-of-the-art play area at Lister with separate rooms for teenagers and for patients with cancer and sensory needs.

The dedication on the Tree of Light reads: "Marilyn, you were one of those people that stood out in a crowd, your humour and wisdom taught us so much, we would not be the team we are today without you. They say angels walk amongst us; you certainly were one of them. You are missed every day and your 25+yrs dedication to the NHS will not be forgotten. You asked for so little, but gave so very much. You were a huge inspiration to so many. You will not be forgotten."

Beth McNeil, head of charity at East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, said: "We have had so many wonderful and heart-warming dedications to our Tree of Light. In these extraordinary times, it is lovely to see so many people paying tribute to loved ones or thanking the hospitals for care they have received."

Dedications can be made here where you may also, if you wish, make a donation to the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity in support of the trust's four hospitals – Hertford County, the Lister, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood and the New QEII in Welwyn Garden City.