Snap to it and help hospice renovation

Anyone with a keen eye and a steady hand on the shutter can enter the photography competition being launched by Wigan and Leigh Hospice (WLH) founded in

1983.

Backed by the Wigan Evening Post, the Hindley-based charity wants original, high-quality artwork to adorn the walls of its in-patient unit, which is currently being transformed to make it dementia-friendly.

Large pictures of well-known sights from around Wigan and Leigh will make the Kildare Street headquarters easier for people suffering from the memory-loss condition to navigate and also stimulate reminiscence.

Building work to modernise the in-patient unit, one of the hospice’s largest refurbishment schemes in 20 years, is well under way and expected to be finished in September.

The Alzheimer’s Society says taking a trip down memory lane can help relatives and friends communicate with a loved one suffering from dementia and also boost the patient’s wellbeing. Pictures can be of any location within the borough, whether that is a famous spot or simply a local gem which the photographer feels has been unfairly overlooked.

Once all the entries are in a selection will be displayed at WLH for staff, patients and volunteers to pick the People’s Choice winners, with a panel of judges also helping to make the final selection. The winning images will be displayed either on the in-patient unit, which will also be colour coded and upgraded with new lighting, signs and furniture, or throughout the hospice.