Twinkling stars for much-loved grandparents

28th November 2017

Three twinkling stars in a virtual night sky are helping four-year-old Henry Ravey-Salt to 'see' his great-grandparents.

When Henry's mum Nicola Salt heard about this year's Light up a Life appeal by Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, she thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate three special lives. Her grandma June passed away just after Henry turned two and her grandad Geoff and grandad Ray, known as 'Bump', both passed away before he was born. Highfield Hall School pupil Henry, who lives with his mum and dad, Leigh Ravey, in New Whittington, Chesterfield, has often asked where his great-grandparents are. Nicola (37) realised that the stars would be an ideal way to 'show' Henry these much-loved family members in a night sky. Bluebell Wood's Light up a Life 2017 appeal lets people dedicate a star to the memory of a loved one at www.bluebellwood.org/light2017. As well as owning a virtual star, everyone who makes a donation receives a special limited edition purple star in the post. All money raised will help Bluebell Wood support children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions across North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and parts of North Lincolnshire. Nicola said: -The Light up a Life appeal came at the perfect time as Henry was asking about his great-grandparents. I always said they were in the stars. So having the Bluebell Wood Light up a Life page to click on and say 'there they are' is perfect. -I bought these three stars online and then I bought another three over the phone to give to my mum, Leigh's mum and my nan Mavis. They're very pretty twinkly purple stars and perfect to hang on a Christmas tree. -I know Bluebell Wood through my work as a support worker and I'm aware of the wonderful care they give families. One of the children I helped to look after passed away at Bluebell Wood in 2013 when I was 36 weeks pregnant with Henry. 'Because I visited Bluebell Wood, I've seen the support families get and I know families need short breaks and as much care as possible at what can be such a tough time. For us, supporting Light Up a Life this year is just perfect. To dedicate a star to a loved one and help Bluebell Wood support 250 children and young adults each year, please visit www.bluebellwood.org/light2017