A woman whose dad was cared for by Macmillan nurses will be remembering him at a special Christmas service.

Sandra Lippiatt and her family will be sponsoring a light on the Tree of Hope in Frenchay next month.

Her father, Ernie Gibbs, died of cancer in 1999 within a month of being diagnosed. Macmillan nurses helped out during his last days and as well as caring for Mr Gibbs supported the family by talking them through what was happening.

Mrs Lippiatt, of Oldland Common, has been supporting the charity ever since and the family has participated in the Tree of Hope service at St John the Baptist Church to remember Mr Gibbs.

She said: "When my dad was ill the Macmillan Nurses were very professional and supported us through my dad's last days."

"They seemed to come out of nowhere and quietly prepared us for the inevitable, without us even realising it.

"This is how I heard about the Tree of Hope. It's a really wonderful way for me, my mum Lila and the family to remember my dad.

"It gives us great comfort and time to reflect at Christmas.

"Many people who come to the event also have loved ones who are unable to come out of hospital for Christmas, and this event gives them hope."

People in the wider Bristol area can sponsor a light on the Macmillan Tree of Hope and in return will receive a pair of remembrance ribbons; one to tie onto their own tree and another to tie onto the Tree of Hope.

They are then invited to attend the Tree of Hope lighting-up service on Tuesday, December 8 at 6.30pm.

Macmillan fundraising manager for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, Anna Cairns, said: "The help Macmillan Cancer Support provides people with cancer is absolutely essential and we want to be able to give support to everyone who needs it.

"The Tree of Hope is a really wonderful way to remember loved ones who can't be with you at Christmas."

To sponsor a light and receive a pair of remembrance ribbons call 967 0795 or email acairns@macmillan.org.uk

● Sandra Lippiatt is pictured with mother Lila Gibbs, grandson Max Lippiatt and Anna Cairns, left, fundraising manager for Macmillan