It is a safe bet that the family of racecourse bookmaker Gus Oppenheim will be honouring his memory again this Christmas.
Daughters Julie Aikenhead and Jo Samuels like to support the Light Up A Life appeal run by St Ann’s Hospice as a way of remembering Gus, from Heald Green, who died of cancer almost 16 years ago at the age of 79.
Each year they dedicate a light on a Christmas tree to celebrate his life and make a donation to the charity which treated their father.
For many years the sisters have also attended a special service at Manchester Cathedral, though this year there will be one notable absentee – their mother Jackie who sadly passed away in September, aged 94.
“Going to the Cathedral has been a big part of our Christmas and is so important to us,” said Julie, from Bramhall. “Our family has a close association with St Ann’s Hospice and mum thought it was a wonderful place. We’ll be dedicating a light, making a donation and mentioning mum and dad in a Book of Honour.”
The horseracing link remains in the family after son Lee took over the reins when his father became ill.
Jo, from Gatley, added: “He was a brilliant father and we idolised him. We like to support the hospice in whatever way we can, including their lottery, because we know how much it relies on donations. It’s such a good cause and an important part of our community.”
Light Up A Life is an opportunity to celebrate the life of someone special and they do not need to have been a patient at the hospice.
Each dedication is recorded in the Book of Honour, copies of which are displayed throughout the festive period at Manchester Cathedral and at hospice sites.
The services at Manchester Cathedral are on Sunday, Dec 1, at 1 pm, 2.30 pm and 4 pm. The service at St Ann’s Hospice at Heald Green is outdoors on Thursday, December 5, at 6.30 pm.
* To dedicate a light go to www.sah.org.uk/light or call 0161 498 3646.
*See enclosed pic of Gus Oppenheim
Pic also of (from left) Jo Samuels, mum Jackie Oppenheim and Julie Aikenhead.